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Prevalence of macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes collected in Serbia

Ljiljana Pavlovic1, Edita Grego, Sandra Sipetic-Grujicic

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Institute of Public Health of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia. ljiljapavlovic@gmail.com

Japanese Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 27, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) from Serbia is low at 6.8% for erythromycin. Monitoring resistance emergence is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Molecular Epidemiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
  • Macrolide antibiotics are crucial for treating S. pyogenes infections.
  • Emergence of antibiotic resistance necessitates continuous surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of macrolide resistance in pharyngeal S. pyogenes isolates in Serbia.
  • To identify resistance genes associated with macrolide resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Disk diffusion tests were employed to assess isolate susceptibility.
  • A total of 3,188 pharyngeal S. pyogenes isolates were analyzed.
  • Molecular methods were used to detect specific resistance genes.

Main Results:

  • 6.8% (216/3188) of S. pyogenes isolates exhibited erythromycin resistance.
  • The mefA gene was the most prevalent resistance gene (181 isolates).
  • Nine isolates showed co-resistance to tetracycline, with 7 harboring the tetM gene.

Conclusions:

  • Macrolide resistance in Serbian pharyngeal S. pyogenes remains relatively low.
  • Ongoing monitoring for macrolide resistance in S. pyogenes is advisable.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is key for effective treatment strategies.

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