Antibiotic susceptibility in Salmonella species isolated from asymptomatic food handlers in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya

Salmonella cause a wide range of diseases in diverse hosts ranging from gastroenteritis, enteric fever and bacteraemia. These infections can lead to a convalescent lifetime carrier status/asymptomatic carriers. The occurrence of emerging resistant Salmonella strains is evident. The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility of Salmonella. Among the asymptomatic carriers who work within the hotel industry in Westlands, Nairobi. A cross sectional laboratory based design was employed.400 stool samples were used. Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate agar (XLD) and Mac Conkey agar both selective and differential media for isolation of Salmonella sp were used. Serotyping and biochemical test were conducted for the confirmation of strains. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was employed to test susceptibility of the isolated Salmonella to antibiotics commonly used in animal and human health. Data analysis was by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistical methods. A total of 6 serotypes were isolated. A significant variation in inhibition zone sizes of salmonella under the commonly used drugs was observed. F=19.48 while p0.05, thus significant difference in their effectiveness. A drug susceptibility of 81.8 % was observed. Multi-drug resistance of 37.5 % was observed with four (4) different antimicrobial resistance profiles. Results from Ampicillin and Amox-clav showed more resistance among the Salmonella isolates.