Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Virulence Factors and Susceptibility to Antibiotics in Salmonella Infantis Strains Isolated from Chicken Meat: First Findings in Chile

摘要

Infantis ( Infantis) is a zoonotic pathogen that causes gastroenteritis in humans and animals, with poultry being its main reservoir. This pathogen has emerged over the last few decades in different countries, causing outbreaks in humans subsequent to foodborne transmission. It is important to be able to characterize this pathogen in order to establish control measures in the poultry industry. In this study, we investigated the presence of virulence genes, biofilm formation abilities, antibiotic resistance genes, and antibiotic susceptibility in Infantis. The results showed that the Infantis strains isolated from chicken meat for sale in supermarkets in Santiago, Chile are multidrug-resistant (MDR) and contain virulence genes, making them pathogenic. Thus, Infantis should be under surveillance in the poultry food production chain with the aim of protecting public health.