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Testing the Role of Multicopy Plasmids in the Evolution of Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: May 2, 2018
Selection of multiple resistance in Salmonella enteritidis during treatment with ciprofloxacin
C Pers1, P Søgaard, L Pallesen
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
We report on a strain of Salmonella enteritidis which was found to be resistant to both ciprofloxacin and beta-lactams and chloramphenicol in a patient treated with ciprofloxacin for a splenic abscess. We conclude that in invasive infections such as a splenic abscess caused by Salmonella, early surgical intervention is important. Multiple-drug-resistant strains of Salmonella may be selected by treatment with ciprofloxacin alone.
Insights
A Salmonella enteritidis strain resistant to multiple antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, was identified in a patient with a splenic abscess. This highlights the importance of early surgery for invasive Salmonella infections and the risk of ciprofloxacin monotherapy selecting for resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Salmonella enteritidis is a common cause of bacterial infections.
- Splenic abscesses are serious, potentially life-threatening infections.
- Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health concern.
Observation:
- A patient with a splenic abscess caused by Salmonella enteritidis presented with a strain resistant to ciprofloxacin, beta-lactams, and chloramphenicol.
- The patient was undergoing treatment with ciprofloxacin for the splenic abscess.
Findings:
- The observed Salmonella enteritidis strain exhibited multi-drug resistance (MDR).
- Ciprofloxacin treatment alone may inadvertently select for and promote the emergence of MDR Salmonella strains.
- The patient's infection was complicated by the presence of this resistant strain.
Implications:
- Early surgical intervention is crucial for managing invasive Salmonella infections like splenic abscesses.
- Judicious use of antibiotics, particularly fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin, is essential to prevent the selection of MDR pathogens.
- This case underscores the need for susceptibility testing in invasive Salmonella infections and careful consideration of treatment regimens.

