Bacteriological Study Among Influenza-like Illness Cases in a Community Setting in Pune, India

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory infections (ARI) are common, particularly in winter.
• Distinguishing viral from bacterial causes of ILI clinically is challenging.
• Inappropriate antibiotic use fuels the rise of antibiotic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify bacterial pathogens associated with ILI in a community setting.
• To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated bacteria.
• To inform appropriate antibiotic strategies for ILI management.

Main Methods:

• Surveillance of 512 suspected ILI cases in Pune from March 2013 to November 2016.
• Bacterial isolation from throat swabs using standard conventional methods.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing followed CLSI guidelines.

Main Results:

• Bacteria were isolated from 9.8% of ILI patients.
• Predominant bacteria included beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (42%), group G Streptococcus (30%), and group A Streptococcus (20%).
• High susceptibility to Penicillin, Tetracycline (98.8%), and Ciprofloxacin (87%) was observed, with resistance to Erythromycin (37%) and Co-trimoxazole (32%).

Conclusions:

• Bacterial pathogens, particularly Streptococcus species, are found in a subset of ILI cases.
• Penicillin remains a highly effective treatment, while resistance to Erythromycin and Co-trimoxazole is significant.
• Accurate bacterial identification is crucial to guide antibiotic therapy and combat resistance.