Fecal Colonization of ExtendedSpectrum Beta LactamaseProducing Salmonella spp. in Broilers in Lorestan Province of Iran

Background: Poultry is considered as a major source of human contamination with nontyphoidal Salmonella species. Global concern regarding the emergence and dispersion of extendedspectrum betalactamase (ESBLs)producing isolates in broilers has increased during recent years. Objective: This study was proposed to evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella and the associated ESBLs in broilers in Lorestan province of Iran. Materials and Methods: Five hundred fresh fecal samples of broilers were phenotypically screened for Salmonella. The isolates were confirmed molecularly using an invAbased polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Confirmatory combination disk method was applied for phenotypic detection of ESBLs among the isolates, followed by molecular identification of blaCTXM, blaTEM, and blaSHV genes in 3 single PCR assays among positive isolates. Chisquare test in SPSS software was used for the assessment of statistical relationships. Results: Of the 95 Salmonella isolates detected using routine bacteriological methods, all were confirmed molecularly. They generated the expected 254bp amplicon. Moreover, 13 isolates were phenotypically recognized as ESBL determinants, among which 9 and 4 harbored blaCTXM and blaTEM, respectively. No blaSHV and coexistence of the genes were determined. Conclusion: The threat imposed by dissemination of ESBLproducing nontyphoidal Salmonella spp. isolated from broilers was confirmed in the studied region. Continuous monitoring programs, application of biosecurity measures, and prudent prescription of antibiotics are warranted in order to prevent the introduction or dispersion of the ESBLproducing Salmonella.