Antimicrobial resistance profiles in Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli isolates from turkey samples in Northern Greece

This study investigated the antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli isolates recovered from 247 (225 ceca and 22 neck skins) turkey samples randomly collected from three slaughterhouses around Thessaloniki in Northern Greece. Thirty of the 31 Salmonella spp. isolates recovered from the 247 samples showed resistance to at least three antimicrobial agents of different classes (multiple resistance). The most common resistance pattern found was resistance to tetracycline, streptomycin and chloramphenicol in combination with resistance to other antimicrobials. All isolates were susceptible to cephalothin, gentamicin and ciprofloxacin. In contrast, 47.4% of the 97 E. coli isolates recovered were resistant to ciprofloxacin and 43.2% to cephalothin. Most (97.9%) of the E. coli isolates displayed a multiple resistance. The predominant resistance pattern was resistance to tetracycline, nalidixic acid, ampicillin, kanamycin and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim. Of particular interest was the resistance of Salmonella and E. coli isolates against tetracycline, streptomycin and nalidixic acid, and of only E. coli against ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin, since they are listed as Critically Important Antimicrobials for Human Health by WHO. The results of the present study provide support to the need for improved farming practice and for more prudent use of antimicrobial agents in the turkey sector.