Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of Shigella isolates in Awassa

Abstract

A prospective study was conducted in Awassa, Ethiopia during July 1997-April 1998. One hundred Shigella strains were isolated from cultures received at the Center for Health Research and Laboratories. 99 strains were S. flexneri group B and one strain was S. dysenteriae group A. 96% and 90% of strains were susceptible to gentamicin and nalidixic acid, respectively. High rates of resistance were documented for ampicillin (93%), erythromycin (90%), and tetracycline (90%). Fifty-six percent of S. flexneri group B isolates were found to be resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Multiple drug resistance to as many as 6 antibiotics (ampicillin, cefalotin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) was observed. One strain of S. flexneri was found to be resistant to 8 drugs.