Kumar, Nitu2024-01-082024-01-082019https://hdl.handle.net/2139/56343The present study was carried out with the aim to isolate and identify Salmonella spp. from poultry caecal samples collected from pluck shops in four zones of Trinidad. The study was also conducted to determine antimicrobial resistance of 91 isolates of Salmonella to 13 antimicrobial agents, virulence and resistance genes profiles and genetic relatedness of Salmonella serotypes by Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). A total of 1503 caecal samples of freshly slaughtered poultry were randomly collected from pluck shops across the country. The samples were screened for Salmonella by biochemical, serological tests and PCR was used for molecular characterization. Ninety-one (6.1%) of the 1503 samples were positive for Salmonella spp. The highest frequency of positivity for Salmonella spp. was recorded in North east zone (59.3%) of Trinidad. Ten different serotypes were detected from all Salmonella isolates. S. Molade (56.0%) was the predominant serotype identified. All 91 isolates of Salmonella spp. exhibited resistance to one of the 13 antimicrobial agents. The highest frequency of resistance was detected to Ampicillin (51.0%), followed by Kanamycin (49.5%) and Streptomycin (37.4%). Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was exhibited by 90.0% of Salmonella isolates. The frequency of detection of virulence genes in isolates of Salmonella ranged from 0.0% (viaB) to 100.0% for invA, mgtB, pipA and spi4D. PFGE profiles showed that Salmonella isolates were genetically diverse. A total of 20 PFGE groups were detected. The antibiograms of the isolates were clearly much more variable, which suggest that genotypic antimicrobial resistance may not relate to the phenotypic antibiograms in dendrograms except for qnrB gene. The findings provide evidence that poultry from pluck shops are colonized by pathogenic Salmonella harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes. It is evident that there is a need for prudent use of antimicrobial agents in poultry production systems and should be constantly monitored in Trinidad.pdfPlease contact the West Indiana Division at the University of the West Indies,St.Augustine in order to view the full thesis. Contact: wimail@sta.uwi.eduBroilers (Poultry) -- Microbiology -- Trinidad and TobagoSalmonella infections in animals -- Trinidad and TobagoSalmonella enteritidis -- Trinidad and TobagoSalmonella infections in poultry -- Trinidad and TobagoBroilers (Poultry) -- Infections -- Trinidad and TobagoFood contamination -- Trinidad and TobagoHealth risk assessment -- Trinidad and TobagoTheses