Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Beta Haemolytic Streptococci Isolated from Paediatric Patients with Pharyngoamigdalitis

Abstract

Introduction: The beta hemolytic Streptococci (SBH), particularly the group A (pyogenes) is the leading bacterial cause of sore throat that occurs primarily in the paediatric population. Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of beta hemolytic Streptococcus from paediatric patients with pharyngitis, and infer the type of macrolide resistance mechanism. Material and methods: A total of 335 beta-hemolytic Streptococcus species (304 in group A, 26 G, 4 and 1, Groups C and F respectively) from paediatric patients (age range of 0 -14 years) were determined in sore throat antimicrobial susceptibility to penicillin, ceftriaxone, erythromycin, and clindamycin, by the agar diffusion method. The phenotypes of macrolide resistance were characterized by the double diffusion test disk. Results: All species were susceptible to penicillin, and clindamycin. Streptococcus pyogenes 10.5%, and 30.8% of group G Streptococcus, were resistant to erythromycin and all belonged to phenotype M. Conclusion: It is advisable to conduct regular screening tests to monitor possible changes in the prevalence of macrolides resistance.