Isolation, Associated Factors and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Salmonella spp. in Human Stool, Eggshell Swab and Feces of Egg‐Laying Hens in Mekelle and Southeast Zones of Tigrai, Ethiopia
Atsebaha Gebrekidan Kahsay, Tsehaye Asmelash, Enquebaher KassayeABSTRACT
Background
Salmonellosis is an important foodborne and zoonotic disease commonly related to the ingestion of poultry products contaminated with Salmonella spp. Although a wide range of poultry farming practices are widely practised in the region, public health concerns regarding the distribution of foodborne zoonotic pathogens at the human–poultry interface remain poorly understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella spp. at the human‐egg layer farm interface in the Mekelle and southeast zones, Tigrai, Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study was conducted from 1 January to 30 June 2025. Data were collected from poultry farm personnel, and 44 stool samples from farm workers, 44 pooled eggshell swab samples and 44 fresh fecal samples from egg‐laying hens were collected. Standard microbiological procedures, including pre‐enrichment, selective enrichment, selective isolation and biochemical identification, were used to detect suspected Salmonella spp. isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method. Data were entered, cleaned and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.
Results
Three Salmonella spp. were identified from the collected specimens. Of these, 2 (4.55%) were isolated from fecal samples of egg‐laying hens and 1 (2.27%) from pooled eggshell swab samples. However, Salmonella spp. were not detected among stool samples collected from farm workers. More than 80% of farm workers reported not practicing hand washing after handling eggs, and 68% lacked knowledge about disease‐causing pathogens that may be transmitted through eggshell contact. No statistically significant association was observed between Salmonella spp. occurrence and the assessed risk factors. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that isolates were resistant to β‐lactams, tetracyclines and aminoglycosides, and two of the three isolates were multidrug resistant.
Conclusion
The detection of Salmonella spp., including multidrug‐resistant strains, in egg‐layer farm environments indicates a potential public health concern. Strengthening biosecurity measures, improving hygiene practices, promoting responsible antimicrobial use and implementing continuous One Health surveillance are essential to minimise the risk of pathogen transmission.