Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes Isolates in Germany during 2003-2013
Matthias Imöhl1, Mark van der Linden1
1Institute of Medical Microbiology and National Reference Center for Streptococci, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.
Abstract:
A nationwide laboratory-based surveillance study of invasive S. pyogenes infections was conducted in Germany. Invasive isolates (n = 1,281) were obtained between 2003 and 2013. All isolates were susceptible to penicillin, cefotaxime and vancomycin. Tetracycline showed the highest rate of resistant or intermediate resistant isolates with 9.8%, followed by macrolides (4.0%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) (1.9%), levofloxacin (1.3%), chloramphenicol (0.9%) and clindamycin (0.7%). The most prominent trends were the appearance of levofloxacin non-susceptible isolates since 2011, and an increase of SXT non-susceptibility since 2012.
Insights
This study tracked invasive Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) infections in Germany from 2003-2013. While most isolates remained susceptible to common antibiotics, resistance to tetracycline and emerging resistance to levofloxacin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole were noted.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes) is a significant cause of invasive bacterial infections.
- Monitoring antibiotic resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of invasive S. pyogenes isolates in Germany.
- To identify trends in antimicrobial resistance over a decade (2003-2013).
Main Methods:
- A nationwide laboratory-based surveillance study.
- Collection and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 1,281 invasive S. pyogenes isolates.
- Analysis of resistance trends over the study period.
Main Results:
- All isolates were susceptible to penicillin, cefotaxime, and vancomycin.
- Tetracycline exhibited the highest resistance (9.8%), followed by macrolides (4.0%).
- Emerging non-susceptibility to levofloxacin (since 2011) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (SXT) (since 2012) was observed.
Conclusions:
- Invasive S. pyogenes in Germany remained largely susceptible to first-line antibiotics during 2003-2013.
- Monitoring for resistance to tetracyclines, macrolides, and newer trends in levofloxacin and SXT resistance is warranted.
