Antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus species that cause pharyngitis in children

Abstract

Background: Group A Streptococcus (GAS) significantly impacts global health, especially among children aged 5–14 years, causing approximately 288 million episodes of sore throat annually and resulting in around 100,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) each year. GAS infections are particularly prevalent in developing countries. Objective: To assess the patterns of antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus spp. that cause pharyngitis in children. Patients and Methods: It was collected 100 pediatric patients. It was taken throat swabs for Streptococcus species culture and antibiotic sensitivity test. In addition, it was recorded the data of patient’s age and gender. Results: It was shown in this study that an average age of 4.4 ± 3.7 years for pharyngitis in children. In this study was diagnosed that Streptococcus agalactiae (24%) and Streptococcus pyogenes (18%) as the common causes Streptococcus species causes pharyngitis in children. It was noted that the differences in bacterial species according to the patient’s ages. Antibiotic sensitivity testing determined that there are high sensitivity of S. pneumoniae and S. parasanguinis to multiple antibiotics. In addition, it was showed resistance of S. pyogenes to Metronidazole and Azithromycin. Conclusion: In this study, it was found that the risk age for pharyngitis in children is four years old. Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcus pyogenes are the common bacterial causes for this infection. In addition, it was shown that S. pneumoniae appeared a high sensitivity to Ceftriaxone, Ciprofloxacin, and Meropenem, and S. parasanguinis was sensitive to Azithromycin, Cefixime, and Cefotaxime, and S. pyogenes showed a high sensitivity to Meropenem and Imipenem. Keywords: Pharyngitis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Children infection, antibiotic resistance.