Clinical Profile and Serogrouping of Beta-Haemolytic Streptococci in South India: A Prospective Study | Chapter 4 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 4

Beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) are significant human pathogens linked to a wide range of diseases affecting individuals of all ages and health conditions. Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections vary in severity, ranging from minor, self-limiting conditions to serious, life-threatening diseases. Infections are mainly caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A streptococci), Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B streptococci), and, less frequently, Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. equisimilis, SDSE (Groups C and G streptococci). BHS is the most causative agent of pharyngitis, tonsillitis and pyogenic skin infections, to severe invasive conditions like necrotising fasciitis and meningitis. Though Group A is more predominant streptococci causing disease, Group B, Group C Streptococcus (GCS), Group G Streptococcus (GGS) Group F Streptococci are emerging pathogens. Development of antibiotic resistance among them is a major concern now. Beta-hemolytic streptococci resistance to recommended antimicrobial agents has been reported in recent decades. This study aimed to determine the serogroup of beta-hemolytic Streptococci causing infection and the antibiotic resistance pattern. This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, JSS Hospital, from January 2017 to December 2017. Based on standard biochemical tests, beta-hemolytic Streptococci were identified, and serogrouping was done using a commercial latex test kit. Antibiotic susceptibility was performed as per CLSI guidelines. Among 120 beta-hemolytic Streptococci isolated, 63 consecutive beta-hemolytic Streptococci were subjected to serogrouping. Group A were 35(55.6%), 4 Group B, 9 Group C and F, 5 Group G Streptococci. Among the 63 isolates majority of isolates were from throat swabs, 21(33.3%), followed by pus 18 (28.5%). BHS from sputum were 8 and 7 from endotracheal aspirates. All the isolates were sensitive to penicillin, and 27% of the BHS were resistant to erythromycin. Information regarding the prevalent Streptococci in the local geographical area is of great importance, as non-GAS groups are associated with severe skin and soft tissue infections. Another major concern is antimicrobial resistance among these serogroups. Knowing antibiotic susceptibility patterns helps in selecting an appropriate antibiotic for effective management of these clinical conditions.

 

Author(s) Details

Vidyavathi B. Chitharagi
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

 

Kavana B.S.
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

 

Morubagal Raghavendra Rao
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

 

Ranjitha S. Gowda
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

Rashmi P. Mahale
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

 

Sowmya G.S.
Department of Microbiology, JSSMC, JSSAHER, S.S. Nagar, Mysore - 570 015, India.

 

Anitha T.K.
Department of Microbiology, Kanachur Medical College, Mangalore, India

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v4/5718