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Transferable trimethoprim resistance in Shigella strains
1Dokuz Eylül University, School of Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Inciralti, Yzmir, Turkey.
Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|July 21, 1998
Summary
High rates of transferable trimethoprim resistance were found in Shigella isolates. This suggests alternative antibiotics are needed for empirical therapy against Shigella infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Shigella is a significant cause of bacterial dysentery.
- Antibiotic resistance in Shigella poses a global health threat.
- Trimethoprim resistance is a growing concern in managing Shigella infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Shigella isolates.
- To determine the prevalence and transferability of trimethoprim resistance.
- To evaluate resistance to other key antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 35 Shigella isolates (S. flexneri, S. dysenteriae, S. sonnei).
- Determination of minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC50) for trimethoprim and other antibiotics.
- Plasmid-mediated resistance transfer experiments using Escherichia coli K12 as a recipient.
Main Results:
- 62.8% of Shigella isolates were resistant to trimethoprim (MIC50 = 512 mg/L).
- Amoxycillin resistance was low (6 isolates) and restored by clavulanic acid.
- No resistance was observed to extended-spectrum cephalosporins or quinolones.
- Transferable trimethoprim resistance was identified in 31.8% of resistant isolates.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of transferable trimethoprim resistance exists in Shigella isolates from Izmir.
- Alternative antimicrobial agents are recommended for empirical therapy due to high trimethoprim resistance.
- Extended-spectrum cephalosporins and quinolones remain effective against these Shigella strains.