Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Enterica Isolated from Broiler Chicken Farms in Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana

Nartey, Moses Addo and Sulemana, Abdul Lateef and Addy, Francis and Asiedu, Peter and Hagan, Bernard Ato and Kyei, Bismark and Adzitey, Frederick (2026) Prevalence, Genetic Diversity, and Antimicrobial Resistance of Salmonella Enterica Isolated from Broiler Chicken Farms in Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana. World's Veterinary Journal. 337 - 346. ISSN 23224568

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Abstract

Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) remains one of the most important bacterial agents linked to foodborne illness, particularly in regions with expanding poultry production. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic characteristics of S. enterica isolated from broiler chicken farms in Dormaa Ahenkro, Ghana. One hundred samples (cloacal swabs, feed, water, and litter) were collected from five farms and examined through culture, biochemical tests, antimicrobial susceptibility assays, and molecular confirmation of the invasion gene A (invA). Twenty-eight isolates (28) were confirmed as Salmonella, all of which exhibited resistance to amoxicillin. Resistance to the antibiotics Ceftazidime, Gentamicin, Imipenem, and Aztreonam tested ranged from 4-25. Nineteen isolates amplified the invA gene, and sixteen out of 19 submitted samples were successfully sequenced and confirmed as S. enterica with 93.85-99.80 identity. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses demonstrated substantial genetic diversity, suggesting localized evolutionary divergence. The present findings highlight the presence of multidrug-resistant Salmonella within broiler production systems, emphasizing the need for improved biosecurity and responsible antimicrobial use to safeguard public health. Broiler chicken farms serve as an essential food source in many Ghanaian communities, yet they can harbour bacteria that pose risks to consumers. It was observed that Salmonella contamination in birds and their surroundings in Dormaa Ahenkro. Notably, Salmonella strains seen in these studies were also resistant to commonly used antibiotics, underscoring the need for stronger hygiene practices, prudent antibiotic use, and consistent monitoring to limit the spread of drug-resistant strains from farms to the wider population. Improving control measures will enhance food safety and support the sustainability of poultry production in Ghana. © The Author(s) 2026. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	Antimicrobial resistance; Broiler chicken; Molecular characterization; One Health; Salmonella
Subjects:	S Agriculture > SF Animal culture
Divisions:	World's Veterinary Journal (WVJ)
Page Range:	337 - 346
Journal or Publication Title:	World's Veterinary Journal
Journal Index:	Scopus
Volume:	16
Number:	2
Publisher:	Scienceline Publication
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.54203/scil.2026.wvj32
ISSN:	23224568
Depositing User:	Dr. Alireza Sadeghi
URI:	https://eprints.science-line.com/id/eprint/1745

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