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The First Report of Macrolide-Resistant Bordetella pertussis Isolation in Japan
Takahiro Yamaguchi1, Yasuhiro Kawasaki2, Chihiro Katsukawa3
1Division of Microbiology, Osaka Institute of Public Health, Japan.
Abstract:
We report the first detection of a macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis strain in Japan. The isolate was highly resistant to the macrolides (minimum inhibitory concentrations for erythromycin and clarithromycin: > 256 µg/ml, for azithromycin: 32 µg/ml) and A2047G mutation was identified in the 23S rRNA. The Multilocus Sequence Typing and Multilocus Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis genotypes of this isolate were MT195 and ptxP1/ptxA1/prn1/fim3A/fhaB3, respectively, suggesting a relationship with the macrolide-resistant B. pertussis lineage currently found in China. This raises the possibility that macrolide-resistant B. pertussis has already fully spread in Japan. For a better control of B. pertussis infections, the surveillance for macrolide-resistant B. pertussis is essential in not only Japan, but also other Asian countries.
Insights
The first macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis strain was detected in Japan. This finding highlights the need for enhanced surveillance of resistant pertussis in Asia to control infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Pertussis, caused by Bordetella pertussis, is a significant public health concern.
- Macrolide antibiotics are crucial for pertussis treatment.
- Emergence of antimicrobial resistance threatens treatment efficacy.
Observation:
- A macrolide-resistant Bordetella pertussis strain was identified in Japan.
- The isolate exhibited high resistance to erythromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin.
- A specific mutation (A2047G) in the 23S rRNA gene was detected.
Findings:
- Genotyping revealed the isolate belongs to a lineage associated with macrolide resistance found in China.
- The genetic profile suggests potential widespread dissemination of resistant strains.
- This marks the first documented macrolide-resistant B. pertussis in Japan.
Implications:
- Macrolide-resistant B. pertussis may have already spread extensively in Japan.
- Urgent surveillance for macrolide-resistant B. pertussis is essential in Japan and other Asian countries.
- Enhanced control strategies are needed to combat the spread of resistant pertussis strains.
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