[In vitro activity of various antibiotics against Shigella strains]

A Willke1, G Altay, N Ertuğrul

  • 1Ankara Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Klinik Bakteriyoloji ve Infeksiyon Hastaliklari Anabilim Dali.

Insights

This study assessed antibiotic resistance in Shigella strains, finding significant resistance to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, oxytetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX). These findings necessitate a review of current antibiotic treatment strategies for Shigella infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Context:

  • Shigella spp. are a leading cause of bacterial dysentery worldwide.
  • Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to effective treatment of Shigella infections.
  • Monitoring antibiotic susceptibility patterns is crucial for guiding clinical practice.

Purpose:

  • To determine the in-vitro antimicrobial activity of twelve commonly used antibiotics against clinically isolated Shigella strains.
  • To identify the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Shigella isolates.
  • To inform evidence-based antibiotic therapy recommendations for Shigella infections.

Summary:

  • The study evaluated twelve antibiotics against 42 Shigella strains using microtube dilution.
  • High resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (36.5%), chloramphenicol (34%), oxytetracycline (35%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (25.6%).
  • Cefoperazone, ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftizoxime, ofloxacin, pefloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and fleroxacin showed varying degrees of activity, with some isolates remaining susceptible.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the diminishing efficacy of older antibiotics like ampicillin and chloramphenicol against Shigella.
  • Results provide critical data for updating treatment guidelines and combating antimicrobial resistance in Shigella infections.
  • This research supports the judicious selection of antibiotics for treating shigellosis, potentially reducing treatment failures and spread of resistant strains.