Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter isolates in Poland (2000-2007)

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Campylobacter infections are a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in children.
• Antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter poses a significant public health threat.
• Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the antibiotic resistance patterns of Campylobacter strains isolated from hospitalized children in Poland.
• To investigate the prevalence of multidrug resistance in these strains.
• To track changes in resistance over time.

Main Methods:

• Bacterial isolates: 251 Campylobacter strains (C. jejuni and C. coli) from symptomatic children.
• Study period: 2000–2007.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for various antibiotic classes.

Main Results:

• High resistance rates observed for ciprofloxacin (49.5-51.3%), tetracycline (17.5-18.0%), and ampicillin (10.2-13.2%).
• Most isolates remained susceptible to macrolides.
• Multidrug resistance increased dramatically from 5.1% (2000-2003) to 34.6% (2004-2007).

Conclusions:

• Significant increase in multidrug-resistant Campylobacter strains in hospitalized children in Poland.
• Ciprofloxacin and tetracycline resistance are major concerns.
• Continued surveillance and prudent antibiotic use are essential.