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Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes in Central, Eastern, and Baltic European Countries, 2005 to

Matilde Gracia1, Carolina Díaz, Pilar Coronel

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology and Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, Fundación Jiménez Díaz, 28040 Madrid, Spain.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|February 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Erythromycin resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes varies across Central and Eastern Europe, with Hungary and Slovakia showing high rates. No resistance was observed for beta-lactams or levofloxacin, aiding antibiotic choice.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. pyogenes impacts treatment efficacy.
  • Understanding regional resistance patterns is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the in vitro antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes clinical isolates.
  • To assess the prevalence of resistance to key antibiotics across several European countries.
  • To identify erythromycin resistance mechanisms in S. pyogenes.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.
  • Seventy-six bacterial isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes were analyzed.
  • Isolates were collected from November 2005 to December 2006.

Main Results:

  • No resistance to penicillin, ampicillin, cefditoren, cefotaxime, or levofloxacin was detected.
  • Erythromycin resistance rates varied significantly by country, from <10% to >25%.
  • The MLS(B) phenotype was the predominant mechanism (75.0%) in erythromycin-resistant isolates.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-lactams and levofloxacin remain effective against S. pyogenes in the studied region.
  • High erythromycin resistance rates in certain countries necessitate careful consideration for empiric therapy.
  • Monitoring resistance patterns is essential for guiding clinical decisions and public health strategies.

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