Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Erythromycin Resistant Group A ? Haemolytic Streptococci Causing Acute Tonsillopharyngitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Elayarani A; Dr.R.Vasanthi; Dr. Priyadarshini Shanmugam

Volume : VIII, Issue : III, March - 2019

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterisation of Erythromycin Resistant Group A ? Haemolytic Streptococci Causing Acute Tonsillopharyngitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Elayarani A, Dr. R. Vasanthi, Dr. Priyadarshini Shanmugam

Abstract :

Introduction: An increased incidence of erythromycin resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes was noted by the recent studies worldwide. The present cross–sectional study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, over a period of one year from November 2016 to March 2018. Materials and methods: A total of 100 throat swabs were processed by routine culture and sensitivity for the genus and species level identification. The Streptococcus pyogenes isolates obtained were considered for phenotypic and genotypic detection of erythromycin resistance by Kirby Bauer disc diffusion test and conventional PCR. Results: Among the fifty Streptococcus pyogenes obtained, 52% of isolates showed resistance to erythromycin by phenotypic method, and only 32% samples showed the presence of mefA gene. Conclusion: Future studies focused on molecular mechanisms involved in erythromycin resistance pattern would help in devising better treatment options.