Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella in Poultry Products Sparks Concern
Biologists from the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science are investigating the rapid rise of multidrug-resistant salmonella in poultry products. This growing issue poses serious risks to food safety and public health.
Salmonella bacteria are a common cause of food poisoning, especially when meat or eggs are undercooked. In fact, salmonella remains the leading cause of foodborne illness in the Philippines, with reported cases increasing from 9,000 in 2022 to 13,000 in 2023.
Study Details on Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella in Poultry Products
Researchers conducted whole genome sequencing and antimicrobial resistance testing on chicken meat samples taken from wet markets across Metro Manila, including San Juan City, Quezon City, Malabon City, and Muntinlupa City. Their goal was to identify the most common salmonella types, evaluate their ability to cause disease, and detect genes responsible for antimicrobial resistance.
The study found that the most prevalent salmonella type was Salmonella infantis. “It showed the dominance of S. Infantis among the studied Salmonella isolates, which is consistent with previous studies in chicken meat in the U.S., Europe, and Asia,” the researchers noted.
Other salmonella types detected included Brancaster, Anatum, London, Uganda, and Derby. Each carried a variety of virulence and resistance genes, increasing their threat to consumers.
Discovery of Rare Salmonella and Resistance Genes
For the first time in the Philippines, the study identified a rare salmonella type called Isangi. Previous cases of this serovar in countries like Brazil and South Africa have been linked to poultry production.
The researchers also uncovered high levels of multidrug resistance, detecting 50 different antimicrobial resistance genes. These genes allow salmonella to resist 12 distinct classes of antibiotics, complicating treatment efforts.
“In fact, MDR pathogens have been widely reported in food animals and clinical samples, potentially attributed to the improper usage of this antibiotic in livestock and human medicine,” the study explained.
Given the findings, experts emphasize the urgent need to reduce the spread of multidrug-resistant salmonella in poultry products to protect humans, animals, and the environment.
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