Throat Isolates of ?–haemolytic  Streptococci, from Rural Bengal  Showing Reduced Susceptibility to Many  Antibiotics

Banya Chakraborty; Soma Sarkar; Baishali  Chakraborty; Yeshi Palden Dopthapa; Indrani Ghosh; Dibakar Halder

Volume : III, Issue : II, February - 2014

Throat Isolates of ?–haemolytic Streptococci, from Rural Bengal Showing Reduced Susceptibility to Many Antibiotics

Banya Chakraborty , Soma Sarkar , Baishali Chakraborty , Yeshi Palden Dopthapa , Indrani Ghosh, Dibakar Halder

Abstract :

Since most of the sore throats are caused by viral infection rather than bacteria, a correct diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics. To determine the incidence, socioeconomic & environmental parameters, seasonal variation and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcal sore throat, samples from 520 cases were collected from rural Bengal between September 2012 to August 2013 and processed. Group A Streptococci (GAS) were identified and further confirmation was done by Group specific antisera. Demographic and socio-environmental data were collected and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed. Out of 520 samples, 58 (11.15%) were GAS and 10 (1.92%) were Group CG Streptococci. The incidence was higher among 5-15 yrs., during winter season and among people living in overcrowded conditions, using chullah for cooking and in homes that included a tobacco-smoker. GAS isolates were 100% sensitive to penicillin-G while 56.8%, 67.2%, 82.7% and 79.3% sensitive to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, erythromycin and doxycycline respectively.