Oral antimicrobial susceptibilities of Streptococcus pyogenes recently isolated in five countries

Int J Clin Pract. 2000 Nov;54(9):585-8.

Abstract

Between July 1998 and July 1999 1050 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pyogenes were collected from 11 study centres in five countries. Isolates were shipped to a co-ordinating laboratory for NCCLS specified broth microdilution susceptibility testing for penicillin, cefaclor, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin and roxithromycin. All 1050 isolates of S. pyogenes tested were susceptible to penicillin (MIC < or = 0.12 microgram/ml) and cefaclor (MIC < or = 0.25 microgram/ml). Azithromycin, clarithromycin and erythromycin resistance rates were 15.9%, 15.4% and 15.8%, respectively. MIC90S for penicillin, cefaclor, azithromycin, clarithromycin, erythromycin, and roxithromycin were 0.015, 0.12, > 4, 8, > 1 and 16 micrograms/ml, respectively. Macrolide (erythromycin) resistance rates were highest in study centres in Italy (31.0%) and Spain (26.6%). Lower macrolide resistance rates were identified in study centres in Turkey (4.8%), France (3.8%), and Sweden (3.7%). In conclusion, the isolates of S. pyogenes tested were universally susceptible to beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillin and cefaclor, while resistance to macrolides was significant and ranged from 3.2% to 31%.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Resistance, Microbial
  • Humans
  • Lactams
  • Macrolides
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Streptococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / drug effects*
  • Streptococcus pyogenes / isolation & purification

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Lactams
  • Macrolides