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Drug sensitivity pattern of cholera in children
1Department of Pediatrics, Unit II, Dow Medical College, Civil Hospital, Karachi.
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
|December 17, 2002
Summary
This study examined Vibrio cholera drug sensitivity in children. Most strains were sensitive to quinolones and cephalosporins, but resistant to cotrimoxazole, guiding pediatric cholera treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Cholera remains a significant public health concern in children, necessitating up-to-date knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.
- Understanding drug resistance is crucial for effective treatment protocols and preventing outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of Vibrio cholera in pediatric patients.
- To inform appropriate antimicrobial therapy for cholera in children.
Main Methods:
- Children aged 2 months to 15 years presenting with acute diarrhea and dehydration at the Diarrhoea Treatment Unit (DTU) were enrolled.
- Stool samples were collected for V. cholera isolation and subsequent antibiotic sensitivity testing.
Main Results:
- Out of 846 stool specimens, 161 tested positive for V. cholera.
- All isolates were sensitive to third-generation cephalosporins and quinolones.
- High sensitivity was observed for nalidixic acid (98-100%) and chloramphenicol (82-86%), with moderate sensitivity to doxycycline (67-75%).
- Complete resistance to cotrimoxazole was noted across all V. cholera isolates.
Conclusions:
- Nalidixic acid or chloramphenicol are suitable for treating cholera in younger children, while doxycycline may be used for older children.
- Cotrimoxazole is ineffective for treating cholera in this pediatric population.
- Continuous surveillance and monitoring of Vibrio cholera sensitivity patterns are essential for adapting treatment strategies.