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Antimicrobial susceptibility and macrolide resistance genes in Streptococcus pyogenes collected in Austria and

Rainer Gattringer1, Robert Sauermann, Heimo Lagler

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy, Vienna General Hospital, University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|August 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from Austria and Hungary showed high tetracycline resistance. Macrolide resistance was low, with the mefA gene being the predominant cause in these Streptococcus pyogenes strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) is a significant human pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. pyogenes is a growing public health concern.
  • Understanding regional resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes from Austria and Hungary.
  • To determine the prevalence of resistance to macrolides and other antibiotics.
  • To identify the genetic basis of macrolide resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Susceptibility testing of 341 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates against 16 antibiotics, including four macrolides.
  • Phenotypic characterization of macrolide resistance.
  • Genotypic analysis to identify resistance genes, specifically mefA.

Main Results:

  • All isolates were susceptible to penicillin and beta-lactams.
  • High tetracycline resistance rates were observed: 26.7% in Austria and 30.5% in Hungary.
  • Macrolide resistance rates were low (4.7% in Vienna, 3.7% in Hungary).
  • The M phenotype, conferred by mefA genes, was the predominant mechanism of macrolide resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillin remains a reliable treatment option for Streptococcus pyogenes infections in the studied regions.
  • Emerging tetracycline resistance requires monitoring.
  • Low but present macrolide resistance, primarily due to mefA, necessitates continued surveillance.

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