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Transferable drug resistance in enterobacteria isolated from urban infants
British Medical Journal
|May 17, 1969
Abstract:
Antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria, the vast majority of which carried transmissible R factors, were isolated from 81 out of a total of 100 healthy infants. There was surprisingly little correlation between previous antibacterial therapy and the resistant enterobacterial flora.
Insights
Antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria carrying transmissible R factors were found in 81% of healthy infants. Previous antibiotic use showed minimal impact on the prevalence of this resistant gut flora in infants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterobacteria are common gut inhabitants.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
- Transmissible R factors facilitate the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria in healthy infants.
- To determine the role of transmissible R factors in this resistance.
- To assess the correlation between prior antibacterial therapy and resistant enterobacterial flora.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation and identification from infant fecal samples.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
- Detection of transmissible R factors.
Main Results:
- Antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria were isolated from 81% of 100 healthy infants.
- The majority of resistant isolates carried transmissible R factors.
- A weak correlation was observed between previous antibacterial therapy and the presence of resistant enterobacteria.
Conclusions:
- Healthy infants commonly harbor antibiotic-resistant enterobacteria, often mediated by R factors.
- Antibiotic resistance in infant gut flora may not be strongly influenced by recent antibacterial treatment.
- Further research is needed to understand the transmission dynamics and long-term implications of R factors in infants.