Comparative genomics and phenotypic investigations into antibiotic, heavy metal and disinfectant susceptibilities of Salmonella enterica strains isolated in Australia

Salmonella enterica is recognized as a major contributor of gastrointestinal illness worldwide. Concerns have been raised over the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistant strains of Salmonella isolated from animals and food, and the role of antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents in the dissemination of antibiotic resistant bacteria to human hosts. In this study the antibiotic, heavy metal and disinfectant resistance genotypes and phenotypes of 19 S. enterica isolates from food-producing animals were established using whole genome sequence analysis, and broth or agar dilution methods.