[Antibiotic resistance of Shigella isolated in the Kara-Kalpak A.S.S.R. 1987-1988]

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Shigella spp. are primary causes of bacterial dysentery.
• Monitoring antimicrobial sensitivity is crucial for effective treatment.
• Previous studies in Nukus tracked Shigella resistance patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the antimicrobial sensitivity of Shigella spp. isolated in Nukus between 1987-1988.
• To identify shifts in resistance patterns compared to earlier years (1977, 1985).
• To determine the prevalence of specific Shigella species, including the emerging S. dysenteriae 1.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and identification of Shigella spp. from clinical samples.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using standard microbiological methods.
• Comparative analysis of sensitivity data from 1977, 1985, and 1987-1988.

Main Results:

• Shigella flexneri (serotypes 1-5) remained the predominant cause of dysentery.
• Emergence of Shigella dysenteriae 1 cases noted from 1987 onwards.
• High sensitivity observed for cefotaxime, cephaloridine, polymyxin B, and gentamicin.
• Majority of isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin.
• No significant changes in sensitivity profiles were observed between 1985 and 1987-1988.

Conclusions:

• Cefotaxime and gentamicin are effective treatments against prevalent Shigella strains in Nukus.
• Continued resistance to tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin necessitates careful antibiotic selection.
• The emergence of S. dysenteriae 1 requires ongoing surveillance and potential treatment guideline adjustments.