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Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Emergence of macrolide resistant Streptococcus pyogenes strains in pediatric patients in France]
P Mariani-Kurkdjian1, C Doit, D Deforche
1Service de microbiologie, hôpital Robert-Debré, Paris, France. patricia.mariani@rdb.ap-hop-paris.fr
Abstract:
A total of 206 recent throat isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes collected between 2002 and 2004 from children were tested for their susceptibility to penicillin, amoxycillin, erythromycin, clarythromycin and clindamycin. The erythromycin resistant isolates were further studied for their genetic mechanism of resistance by means of PCR. In all, 14.5% of the strains were erythromycin resistant and 13.5 and 1% expressed the constitutive MLS(B) and M resistance phenotypes and harbored the ermB and mef A genes respectively.
Insights
A study found 14.5% of Streptococcus pyogenes strains from children were resistant to erythromycin. Most resistant strains harbored ermB or mefA genes, indicating specific resistance mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Context:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) is a significant human pathogen.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. pyogenes is a growing public health concern.
- Recent throat isolates from children provide a relevant population for resistance surveillance.
Purpose:
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility of recent S. pyogenes isolates from children.
- To investigate the genetic mechanisms of erythromycin resistance in these isolates.
Summary:
- 206 S. pyogenes throat isolates from children (2002-2004) were tested against penicillin, amoxycillin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, and clindamycin.
- 14.5% of isolates exhibited erythromycin resistance.
- Erythromycin-resistant strains were analyzed using PCR for resistance genes: 13.5% had ermB (constitutive MLS(B) phenotype) and 1% had mefA (M phenotype).
Impact:
- Highlights the prevalence of erythromycin resistance in pediatric S. pyogenes isolates.
- Identifies specific genetic determinants (ermB and mefA) responsible for erythromycin resistance.
- Provides data crucial for guiding antibiotic treatment strategies and monitoring resistance trends in S. pyogenes infections.
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