SOBREVIVÊNCIA DE SALMONELLA ENTERICA ÀS CONDIÇÕES GÁSTRICAS SIMULADAS IN VITRO: PAPEL DOS FATORES DE ADESÃO E RESISTÊNCIA ANTIBACTERIANA.

The study aims to assess the adhesion and biofilm formation capacity of Salmonella spp. isolates producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and the resistance of ESBL-producing and non-producing isolates to in vitro simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Eighteen Salmonella spp. isolates were obtained from frozen chicken cuts produced in the State of Paraná, Brazil. ESBL-producing isolates were evaluated phenotypically and genotypically for their adhesion and biofilm formation capacity on polypropylene coupons. Furthermore, all isolates underwent in vitro assessment of resistance to gastric and intestinal conditions, and cell counts were conducted after the simulations. Regarding adhesion and biofilm formation, 13 isolates demonstrated this capability. Concerning tolerance to gastric and intestinal conditions, the quantification of Salmonella spp. decreased (p<0.05) as they passed through the gastrointestinal tract. When comparing ESBL-producing and non-producing isolates, there was no difference (p>0.05) in the overall survival rate. The results demonstrate that, despite the decrease in microorganism counts during simulated passage through gastric and intestinal juices, the mean overall survival rate of Salmonella spp. isolates was high. This suggests that the isolates have the capacity to survive simulated gastrointestinal conditions and remain at levels capable of causing infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]