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Frequency and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from oral and topical medicaments from Hilla, Iraq

Alaa H Al-Charrakh1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, College of medicine, Babylon University, Iraq. aalcharrakh@yahoo.com

Journal of Infection in Developing Countries
|June 19, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Microbial contamination is present in Iraqi pharmaceuticals, with significant antibiotic resistance observed in bacterial isolates from oral and topical products. This highlights a potential public health concern due to widespread antimicrobial resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Microbial contamination in pharmaceuticals poses spoilage and infection risks.
  • Non-sterile oral and topical medications are susceptible to microbial presence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate microbial contamination in non-sterile pharmaceutical products in Iraq.
  • To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated bacterial strains.

Main Methods:

  • 102 samples of oral and topical non-sterile pharmaceuticals were collected.
  • Bacterial isolates were identified and tested for antibiotic susceptibility using the disk diffusion method.
  • Testing followed Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Gram-positive bacteria were found in both oral and topical products; gram-negative bacteria were only in topical products.
  • High resistance rates were observed: Bacillus spp. to lincomycin, beta-lactams, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole; Staphylococcus spp. to ampicillin, amoxicillin, penicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • Gram-negative rods exhibited high resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and erythromycin, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa showing the highest resistance.

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates a high prevalence of antibiotic resistance in bacteria from pharmaceutical products in Iraq.
  • This resistance may reflect broader antimicrobial resistance patterns in environmental and anthropological sources.
  • Findings underscore the need for monitoring and addressing antibiotic resistance in pharmaceutical supply chains.

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