Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in Salmonella from human and nonhuman sources in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, 2016-2023

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance constitutes a significant global challenge to public health and development, in which non-typhoidal Salmonella emerges as a critical concern. This study investigates the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolates from both human and nonhuman sources. A total of 2,511 Salmonella isolates that had been collected from 2016 to 2023 were analyzed, of which 1,724 underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The main focus lied on the 10 most prevalent serotypes, totaling 957 isolates. Serotyping showed the diverse distribution of serotypes, with Heidelberg, Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and the monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium occurring most often. Antimicrobial resistance was common since 512 strains resisted at least one drug and 319 several drugs. Notably, the Heidelberg and Mbandaka serotypes, predominantly occurring in nonhuman samples, showed multidrug resistance. Salmonella Typhi remained susceptible to antimicrobials. Resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and ampicillin was prevalent, whereas all isolates remained susceptible to imipenem. A reduction in susceptibility rates for aminoglycosides was observed over the study period. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production occurred in 4.4% of the isolates, of which Heidelberg configured the most prevalent extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive serotype. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and effective monitoring to control this pathogen, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing public health efforts.