In vitro antimicrobial susceptibilities of strains of Yersinia pestis
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M D Smith1, D X Vinh, T T Nguyen
1Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Unit, Cho Quan Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Abstract:
The in vitro activities of 14 antimicrobial agents were determined for 78 strains of Yersinia pestis. The most active antibiotics were ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, followed by ofloxacin and ampicillin. The agents traditionally used for the treatment of plague (streptomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol) were considerably less active. Azithromycin showed poor activity against all strains.
Insights
Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin show strong in vitro activity against Yersinia pestis. Traditional plague antibiotics like streptomycin are less effective, indicating a need for updated treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Yersinia pestis is the causative agent of plague, a serious infectious disease.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns can change over time, impacting treatment efficacy.
- Evaluating novel and traditional antimicrobial agents is crucial for effective plague management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the in vitro antimicrobial activity of various agents against Yersinia pestis strains.
- To compare the efficacy of newer antibiotics with those traditionally used for plague treatment.
Main Methods:
- In vitro susceptibility testing of 14 antimicrobial agents against 78 Yersinia pestis isolates.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determination for each agent and strain.
Main Results:
- Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin demonstrated the highest in vitro activity.
- Ofloxacin and ampicillin also showed significant activity.
- Traditional plague treatments (streptomycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol) exhibited considerably lower activity.
- Azithromycin displayed poor activity against all tested strains.
Conclusions:
- Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin are promising alternatives for Yersinia pestis infections.
- Decreased activity of traditional agents suggests potential resistance development.
- Further research into effective antimicrobial therapies for plague is warranted.