Extensively Drug-Resistant Enteric Fever In Children: Surging Threats Of Antimicrobial Resistance And Possible...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Paediatrics

Background:

• Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi A, poses significant health risks, particularly in developing nations.
• The rise of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains necessitates urgent research into effective treatment strategies.
• Antimicrobial resistance in enteric fever is a growing global health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the clinical and laboratory features of pediatric patients with culture-proven XDR enteric fever.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of different antimicrobial drug combinations in treating XDR enteric fever.
• To explore potential solutions for managing antimicrobial resistance in enteric fever.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a pediatric unit.
• Included patients with culture-proven XDR enteric fever.
• Assessed patient response to antimicrobial agents: ceftriaxone/levofloxacin, azithromycin/meropenem, and meropenem alone.

Main Results:

• 53 pediatric patients participated; 67.9% were male, with a mean age of 7.08 years.
• Common symptoms included fever (100%), anorexia (96.2%), and abdominal pain (77.4%).
• Ceftriaxone and levofloxacin combination therapy was effective in 60.4% of patients.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric XDR enteric fever commonly presents with fever, anorexia, and abdominal pain.
• Ceftriaxone and levofloxacin combination therapy demonstrated a good clinical response, even with documented resistance.
• Further research into effective antimicrobial combinations is crucial for combating XDR enteric fever.