Increase of Antibiotic Resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes in Italy
Author Information
Author(s): Giuseppe Cornaglia, Marco Ligozzi, Annarita Mazzariol, Myriam Valentini, Graziella Orefici, Roberta Fontana
Primary Institution: Institute of Microbiology, University of Verona, Italy
Hypothesis
Is there a rising trend in antibiotic resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes in Italy?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in erythromycin resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes strains in Italy from 1993 to 1995.
Supporting Evidence
- In 1993, the average incidence of erythromycin-resistant strains was 5.1%.
- By 1995, the incidence increased to a mean value of 26.8%.
- Resistance to clindamycin was also noted, but data was limited.
Takeaway
Doctors need to be careful because more and more germs that cause throat infections are not getting better with common antibiotics like erythromycin.
Methodology
Data was collected from 15 laboratories over three years, testing throat swabs from symptomatic patients for antibiotic resistance.
Limitations
The study only included data from specific geographic areas and may not represent the entire country.
Participant Demographics
Mostly school-age outpatients from various geographic areas in Italy.
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