Macrolide-Resistant Shigella sonnei
2008

Macrolide-Resistant Shigella sonnei

Sample size: 50 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Boumghar-Bourtchai Leyla, Mariani-Kurkdjian Patricia, Bingen Edouard, Filliol Ingrid, Dhalluin Anne, Ifrane Shadia Ait, Weill François-Xavier, Leclercq Roland

Primary Institution: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Côte de Nacre, Caen, France

Hypothesis

The emergence of the mph(A) gene in Shigella sonnei may limit the usefulness of azithromycin for treating shigellosis.

Conclusion

The study found that azithromycin resistance in Shigella sonnei is linked to the presence of the mph(A) gene, which may hinder treatment options.

Supporting Evidence

  • Azithromycin was found to be ineffective against certain strains of Shigella sonnei due to resistance.
  • The mph(A) gene was identified as responsible for the resistance to macrolides.
  • Resistance patterns were observed in children attending religious schools in Paris.
  • Laboratory-confirmed cases of shigellosis were identified during the outbreak.
  • Isolates from the outbreak showed increased MICs for azithromycin compared to susceptible strains.
  • Genetic analysis revealed low diversity among the resistant strains.
  • Previous studies indicated rising resistance rates in Shigella isolates globally.
  • Routine testing for azithromycin susceptibility in Shigella is recommended.

Takeaway

Some bacteria that cause diarrhea in kids are becoming resistant to a medicine called azithromycin, making it harder to treat them.

Methodology

The study involved isolating Shigella sonnei strains from patients and testing their resistance to various antibiotics.

Limitations

The study is limited to a specific outbreak and may not represent broader trends in antibiotic resistance.

Participant Demographics

All patients were children under 15 years of age from the Paris area.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3201/eid1408.080147

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