prevalence of bacterial pathogens in throat infections and their susceptibility pattern

ABSTRACT

Throat swabs from 5083 cases of throat infection belonging to both sexes and all age groups were analysed by standard microbiological techniques. The isolates were identified by conventional methodology. The susceptibility to antimicrobials was determined by disc-diffusion technique [modified Kirby Bauer method]. Three hundred seventy eight cases [7.4%1 revealed significant growth of the pathogenic bacteria. Strep pyogenes was the commonest isolate 287 [75.9%] followed by Staph. aureus 39 [10.3%], Klebsiella spp 29 [7.7%]. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 11[2.9%] and H.influenzae [1.85%]. The miscellaneous group of organisms comprised 5 [1.3%]. Streptococcus pyogenes were 100% susceptible to penicillin, 96.2% to cephalexin, 93.7% to erythromycin and 50% to tetracycline. Ninety seven% of staphylococci were susceptible to cloxacillin, 72% to tetracycline, 67% to cotrimoxazole, 22% to erythromycin and 4% to penicillin. Out of the Klebsiellae 85% isolates were susceptible to cephalexin, 75% to tetracycline and 55% to cotrimoxazole. All pseudomonas were sensitive to amikacin and ciprofloxacin, 90% to aztreonam, 80% to tobramycin and 60% to gentamicin. H. influenzae were 100% sensitive to erythromycin, 83% to tetracycline, 66% to ampicillin, 50% to cephalexin and 28% to cotrimoxazole. It is concluded that only a limited number of cases reveal bacterial pathogen in throat infections