Antibiotic Profile and Molecular Characterization of Typhoidal Salmonellosis among Abattoir Workers in the Southern Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Typhoid fever remains endemic in most developing countries with large scale transmission through contaminated food and drinking water. Since 2000s, animal and their products have been found to be a common food source for Typhoidal infections. A total of 90 blood specimens, 45 samples each were collected from abattoir and non-abattoir workers in Akwa Ibom State and were screened for Salmonella species using standard cultural and serological techniques. The overall prevalence rate was 12 (13.3%). Salmonella species were distributed in all the three senatorial districts of the State. Percentage distribution of Salmonella isolates was 3 (3.3%) for Uyo, 4 (4.4%) for Eket and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from Ikot Ekpene districts. Out of 90 human subjects screened, 12 (13.3%) were positive and 5 (5.6%) were isolated from non-abattoir while 7 (7.7%) were isolated from abattoir workers. In this study, serological significant titre of ≥160 of Typhoid fever cases was confirmed by blood culture. According to sero-grouping and source of sample collection 4.4% S. typhi was isolated from abattoir workers followed by S. paratyphi A (3.3%) while S. typhimurium and S. gallinarum (2.2%) and S. enteritidis (1.1%). Increase prevalence of Salmonella serovars such as S. gallinarium, S. typhi, S. Typhimurium and S. enteritidis with regular consumption of slaughter How to cite this paper: Udom, I.A.,