First description of plasmid mediated quinolone resistance genes in salmonella isolates from Saudi hospitals

OBJECTIVES: To detect resistance genes to fluoroquinolones and β-lactams in Salmonella strains from a Saudi hospital. METHODS: From October 2015 to December 2016, a total of 149 Salmonella strains were collected from stool specimens from patients admitted to King Fahad Hospital of the University, AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia using CHROMagar Salmonella. The organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using Vitek 2 system. Strain serogrouping was performed using Wellcolex color Salmonella kit. Fluoroquinolone resistance genes, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and AmpC β-lactamase were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequence-based PCR (ERIC-PCR) was used to determine clonal relatedness. RESULTS: The resistance rates to cefotaxime were 1.3% and ciprofloxacin 19.5%. Plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes, qnrB and qnrS, were detected in 8 strains, qnrB (n=5) and qnrS (n=3), respectively. No ESBLs, AmpC, or mutations in the topoisomerases were detected. Salmonella isolates formed 7 clusters with similarity. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistant Salmonella in the region imposing public health concerns.