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Emergence of multi-drug resistance among beta-lactamase producing Salmonella

N Rehman1, S I Ahmed

  • 1The Laboratory, Karachi.

Insights

Multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains, including Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A, were identified in patient cultures. A significant increase in beta-lactamase activity and antibiotic resistance poses a challenge for treating enteric fever.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Enteric fever, primarily caused by Salmonella species, remains a significant global health concern.
  • The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Salmonella strains complicates treatment strategies.
  • Pyrexial patients presenting with suspected bloodstream infections are often tested for Salmonella.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of multi-drug resistant Salmonella strains in clinical samples.
  • To identify the specific Salmonella serotypes involved and assess their antibiotic resistance patterns.
  • To determine the extent of beta-lactamase activity among isolated Salmonella strains.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and culture of blood and bone marrow samples from pyrexial patients.
  • Identification of Salmonella strains using standard microbiological techniques.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and assessment of beta-lactamase activity.

Main Results:

  • Out of 2143 samples, 424 (20%) yielded microbial growth, with 266 (63%) positive for Salmonella.
  • Salmonella typhi accounted for 90% (239 strains) and Salmonella paratyphi A for 10% (27 strains).
  • A high proportion (82%, 220 strains) of Salmonella isolates exhibited increased beta-lactamase activity and resistance to common enteric fever antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights a significant prevalence of MDR Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A in clinical settings.
  • Elevated beta-lactamase activity is a key mechanism contributing to antibiotic resistance in these strains.
  • Urgent strategies are needed to combat the rising antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella to ensure effective treatment of enteric fever.

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