Background and Aim: Enteric fever initiated by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) is among the most consistent disease worldwide, particularly in developing countries. The present study aimed to isolate and identify S. Typhi from typhoid suspected patients and determine their antibacterial susceptibility testing.

Materials and Methods: Thirty blood samples were collected from typhoid suspected patients in Baghdad, Iraq. The samples were cultured on SS agar and XLD agar for screening of S. Typhi. The suspected colonies were picked up and subjected to Vitek 2 compact for biochemical identification and antibacterial susceptibility testing of the organisms. Molecular identification of the isolates was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results: Black colonies were observed on cultured plates. Out of 30 samples, 27 and 29 isolates were identified as S. Typhi using Vitek 2 compact and RT-PCR, respectively. The data of the present study revealed that the strains of S. Typhi were showing multidrug resistance. All S. Typhi strains exhibited resistance to penicillins (ticarcillin and piperacillin), cephalosporins 4th G (cefepime), and monobactam (aztreonam). However, all the strains showed susceptibility against carbapenems (imipenem and meropenem) and tetracycline (minocycline).

Conclusion: RT-PCR and Vitek 2 compact showed a high level of accuracy in the detection of S. Typhi. Multidrug resistance was observed, which is an alert for the reduction of antibiotic consumption.

Keywords: antibiotics susceptibility, enteric fever, multidrug-resistant, Salmonella, typhoid fever, Vitek 2 compact.