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Erythromycin resistance in group A beta-hemolytic streptococci
Pediatric Infectious Disease
|July 1, 1982
Summary
A study found significant erythromycin resistance in Group A Streptococcus bacteria from Japanese children. This suggests a potential localized outbreak of antibiotic-resistant streptococcal infections, highlighting the need for surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Recent reports indicate a high incidence of erythromycin resistance in Group A Streptococcus (GAS) in Japanese children.
- Group A Streptococcus is a common bacterial pathogen, particularly in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Group A Streptococcus isolates from ambulatory pediatric patients in Japan.
- To determine the prevalence of resistance to erythromycin and other common antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- The study analyzed 280 pharyngeal isolates of Group A Streptococcus.
- Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the plate dilution technique.
- Penicillin tolerance was assessed using the standard tube dilution technique.
Main Results:
- Incidences of resistance were 4.3% for erythromycin and 7.8% for tetracycline.
- No resistance was observed against penicillin, ampicillin, methicillin, oxacillin, cefaclor, or moxalactam.
- Two erythromycin-resistant isolates also exhibited resistance to tetracycline.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest a localized outbreak of erythromycin-resistant Group A Streptococcus infection.
- The study highlights the emergence of antibiotic resistance in common pediatric pathogens.