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[Regarding the Shigella flexneri 4 strains isolated in recent years]
S Matsushita1, S Yamada, K Sekiguchi
1Department of Microbiology, Tokyo Metropolitan Research Laboratory of Public Health.
Summary
This study analyzed Shigella flexneri 4 strains, finding most undecided subserotypes were actually 4a. Many strains showed resistance to common antibiotics but remained susceptible to newer ones like fluoroquinolones.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Shigella flexneri is a significant cause of bacterial dysentery worldwide.
- Emerging drug resistance in bacterial pathogens poses a global health threat.
- Characterization of local strains is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose:
- To biochemically and serologically characterize 38 Shigella flexneri 4 strains.
- To determine the drug susceptibility patterns of these isolates.
- To investigate the prevalence of subserotype 4a and undecided subserotypes.
Summary:
- Biochemical analysis revealed distinct mannitol and sodium acetate utilization patterns among the strains.
- Serological testing indicated that most undecided subserotypes were predominantly subserotype 4a.
- High resistance rates were observed for chloramphenicol (CP), tetracycline (TC), streptomycin (SM), ampicillin (ABPC), and sulfathiazole (ST).
- Notably, all strains remained susceptible to kanamycin (KM), nalidixic acid (NA), fosfomycin (FOM), and norfloxacin (NFLX).
Impact:
- Provides essential data on the characteristics and antibiotic resistance of Shigella flexneri 4 strains.
- Highlights the need for continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Shigella.
- Informs clinical decisions regarding antibiotic choices for Shigella infections, favoring drugs like fluoroquinolones and kanamycin.