Increased Resistance of Salmonella in Travelers from Southeast Asia
Author Information
Author(s): Antti Hakanen, Pirkko Kotilainen, Pentti Huovinen, Hans Helenius, Anja Siitonen
Primary Institution: National Public Health Institute, Turku, Finland
Hypothesis
Is there an increase in fluoroquinolone resistance among Salmonella enterica serotypes in travelers returning from Southeast Asia?
Conclusion
The study found a significant increase in fluoroquinolone resistance among Salmonella isolates from travelers returning from Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
Supporting Evidence
- From 1995 to 1999, the proportion of reduced ciprofloxacin susceptibility among travelers' isolates increased from 3.9% to 23.5%.
- Isolates from Thailand showed an increase from 5.6% to 50.0% in reduced susceptibility.
- All isolates with reduced susceptibility had a point mutation in the gyrA gene.
Takeaway
Travelers coming back from Southeast Asia are getting sick from a type of bacteria that is harder to treat with certain medicines.
Methodology
The study collected and analyzed 1,210 Salmonella isolates from Finnish travelers and tested their susceptibility to various antibiotics.
Limitations
The study did not collect data on the use of antibiotics by travelers, which could influence resistance patterns.
Participant Demographics
The isolates were collected from Finnish travelers returning from various countries, primarily Southeast Asia.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
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