author(s)
S Leonal Rabins, A Bhattacharya, VJ Ajay Kumar, PX Antony, V Bhanu Rekha and S Venkatesa Perumal

abstract
A study was framed to isolate the predominant strains of Salmonella prevalence in Puducherry. A total of 150 (Chicken, Chevon and Beef each 50) raw meat samples procured from different retail outlets in and around Puducherry. The study objective included Salmonella identification and PCR confirmation, serotyping, biofilm formation assay and antimicrobial resistance testing with selected antibiotics. Conventionally confirmed isolates were subjected for PCR against invA gene. Overall prevalence was 7.4 per cent and chicken was found to harbour highest isolates. On serotyping Salmonella typhimurium was the only strain recorded in all meat samples. Recovered Salmonella typhimurium were biofilm producers. High antimicrobial resistance were observed to Amoxycillin, Co- trimaxazole and Metronidazole whereas, maximum sensitivity to Azithromycin, Chloramphenicol, Cephalexin, Cefotaxime and Tetracycline. This study indicated the need to take up foodborne disease surveillance in Puducherry under the Indian context and to identify the common high-risk food commodities for microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance.