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Screening for ampicillin resistant Hemophilus influenzae and penicillin resistant Streptococcus Pneumoniae in healthy
Abstract:
800 samples of pharyngeal exudate were taken from healthy children and 28 healthy intrafamilial contacts of children with meningitis caused by H. influenzae type b. H. influenzae type be was isolated in 8.7 per cent of nursery children, H. influenzae type e in 0.12 per cent and non typifiable H. influenzae in 5.8 per cent. On intrafamilial contacts, 32 per cent had H. influenzae type b and non typifiable in 3.5 per cent. Percent age of ampicillin resistant H. influenzae type b was 14 per cent. No strains were found resistant to chloramphenicol. S. pneumoniae was isolated in 37 per cent of pharyngeal exudate samples. 25.5 per cent of strains tested were penicillin sensitive; 74.5 per cent has a decrease sensitivity. Based on these results we consider chloramphenicol to the the first drug of choice for treatment of severe H. influenzae infections and penicillin for S. pneumoniae infections recommending in the latter higher doses when dealing with central nervous system infections.
Insights
This study found that while Haemophilus influenzae type b is common in children, chloramphenicol is effective against it. Penicillin is recommended for Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, with higher doses for central nervous system cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in children.
- Understanding the carriage rates and antibiotic resistance patterns of H. influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of H. influenzae (including type b, type e, and non-typable strains) and S. pneumoniae in healthy children and their contacts.
- To assess the antibiotic susceptibility of isolated H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae strains, focusing on ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and penicillin.
Main Methods:
- Pharyngeal exudate samples were collected from 800 healthy children and 28 intrafamilial contacts of Hib meningitis cases.
- Bacterial cultures were performed to isolate and identify H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae.
- Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted for ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and penicillin.
Main Results:
- H. influenzae type b was isolated in 8.7% of nursery children and 32% of intrafamilial contacts.
- 14% of H. influenzae type b strains were ampicillin-resistant; no resistance to chloramphenicol was observed.
- S. pneumoniae was found in 37% of samples, with 74.5% showing decreased penicillin sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Chloramphenicol is recommended as the first-choice antibiotic for severe H. influenzae infections due to lack of resistance.
- Penicillin is recommended for S. pneumoniae infections, with consideration for higher doses in central nervous system infections due to decreased sensitivity.