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Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus isolates obtained from fecal samples of healthy children
Elena Domínguez1, Myriam Zarazaga, Carmen Torres
1Area de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Universidad de La Rioja, 26006 Logroño, Spain.
Abstract:
Thirty-nine Staphylococcus isolates with different mechanisms of resistance were recovered from the feces of 50 healthy children and tested for their susceptibilities to 17 antibiotics. The percentages of resistance of the staphylococci to some antibiotics were as follows: penicillin, 87%; erythromycin, 64%; tobramycin, 36%; tetracycline, 20.5%; kanamycin, 15%; and gentamicin, 13%. The mecA gene was detected in nine coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus bacteria is common in healthy children. Many isolates showed resistance to penicillin and erythromycin, highlighting the need for surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Staphylococcus species are common bacteria found in humans.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Understanding resistance patterns in healthy populations is crucial for public health surveillance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus isolates from healthy children.
- To determine the susceptibility of these isolates to a range of commonly used antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Fecal samples were collected from 50 healthy children.
- Thirty-nine Staphylococcus isolates were recovered and identified.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed on 17 different antibiotics.
- The presence of the mecA gene was screened in coagulase-negative staphylococci.
Main Results:
- High resistance rates were observed: 87% for penicillin and 64% for erythromycin.
- Significant resistance was also noted for tobramycin (36%), tetracycline (20.5%), kanamycin (15%), and gentamicin (13%).
- The mecA gene, associated with methicillin resistance, was detected in nine coagulase-negative staphylococci isolates.
Conclusions:
- Staphylococcus isolates from healthy children frequently exhibit resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin and erythromycin.
- The presence of the mecA gene indicates potential for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring antibiotic resistance in community settings.