The epidemiology of Salmonella Infantis is complex in terms of its distribution and transmission. The continuous collection and analysis of updated data on the prevalence and antimicrobic resistance are essential. The present work aimed to investigate the antimicrobial resistance and the correlation among S. Infantis isolates from different sources through the multiple-locus variable-number of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). A total of 562 Salmonella strains isolated from 2018 to 2020 from poultry, humans, swine, water buffalo, mussels, cattle, and wild boar were serotyped, and 185 S. Infantis strains (32.92%) were identified. S. Infantis was commonly isolated in poultry and, to a lesser extent, in other sources. The isolates were tested against 12 antimicrobials, and a high prevalence of resistant strains was recorded. S. Infantis showed high resistance against fluoroquinolones, ampicillin, and tetracycline, which are commonly used in human and veterinary medicine. From all S. Infantis isolates, five VNTR loci were amplified. The use of MLVA was not sufficient to understand the complexity of the epidemiological relationships between S. Infantis strains. In conclusion, an alternative methodology to investigate genetic similarities and differences among S. Infantis strains is needed.
Keywords: MLVA; S. Infantis; antimicrobial resistance; poultry.