Streptococcus pyogenes infections in Tunisia : epidemiology and antimicrobial susceptibility

Abstract

Introduction : S. pyogenes is a human common pathogen involved in suppurative infections including tonsillitis, but also much more serious invasive infections (sepsis, fasciitis) that are increasingly common and this despite the significant sensitivity of this bacterium. In this context we proposed to study the epidemiology of S. pyogenes strains and their antibiotic resistance state. Materials and Methods : This study included all S. pyogenes strains isolated from different samples received in the microbiology laboratory of the University Hospital in Mahdia referred diagnosis over a period of 8 years (2008-2015). Results: The study involved 163 non-redundant S. pyogenes strains, the sex ratio M / F=1,96. Among these strains, 59 (36.2%) deep pus, 62 (38,4%) were from superficial pus, 12 (7.4%) aspirates liquid, 11 (6.7%) vaginal swabs, 15 (9.2%) from throat swabs, two (1.2%) blood culture and two (1.2%) of cerebrospinal fluid. The rate of invasive infections was approximately 46%. No resistance to ß-lactam was observed. However, our study showed a macrolide resistance rates of 18.7 and 9.7% respectively for erythromycin and clindamycin. All strains were susceptible to pristinamycin. Resistance rate to tetracycline was 48.7%. Regarding aminoglycosides, glycopeptides rifampicin and no resistance was noted. Conclusion: The meticulous collection of updated data on resistance of S. pyogenes to antibiotics would update therapeutic strategies