Incidence and multidrug resistance in typhoid salmonellae in Bahawalpur area

ABSTRACT

Typhoid fever is a major problem affecting milions of people all over the world specially the developing countries. Resistance of the salmonella isolates to conventional antityphoid drugs has continued to rise for the last 10-15 years. This study was done to determine the prevalence and susceptibity pattern of various salmonellae isolated in the region of Bahawalpur. A total of 107 blood cultures were performed out of which 42 were found to be positive for salmonella, 39 were Salmonella typhi and 3 were Salmonella paratyphi A. Among Salmonella typhi isolates 21 [53.8%] were resistant to ampicillin, chloramphenicol and Cotrimoxazole, one isolate was resistant to ampicillin and Chloramphenicol but sensitive to Cotrimoxazole. All the isolates were sensitive to the fluoroquinolones and 3rd generation cephalosporins. Inspite of all the drugs available, the problem of spread of typhoid continues. This study shows that the prevalence of overall resistance to Salmonella typhi is high in this area also. The continuous uninhibited use of antibiotics may lead to 100% resistance to these antibiotics and acquisition of resistance by other organisms also. The medical and public health officials must be prepared to tackle the future epidemics of multidrug resistant Salmonella typhi