Pattern of increased antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella isolates in the Eastern Province of KSA

OBJECTIVES: The antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella species is increasing worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella species in a tertiary hospital from 2011 to 2018. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of all patients with Salmonella infections were reviewed. The clinical, demographic, and microbiological data of the selected patients were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 752 patients were included. The resistance of Salmonella species to antimicrobial drugs increased from 24.6% in 2011 to 37.8% in 2018 (p = 0.002). By 2018 all Salmonella isolates were completely resistant to cefalotin, cefuroxime, and cefoxitin, while we found some susceptibility to other cephalosporins and ciprofloxacin. The most commonly isolated Salmonella serogroups were groups D (36.5%), C (23.5%), and B (11.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of resistance of Salmonella to antibiotics is on the rise. The results of this study highlight the need for an active monitoring system of antibiotic usage in humans and domestic animals.