National Department of Defense Surveillance for Clinical Group A Streptococcal Isolates, Antibiotic Resistance, and emm Gene Types from 8 Basic Training Military Sites

Abstract

Active surveillance for group A streptococci (GAS) was conducted among military trainees with pharyngitis at 8 U.S. military basic training sites between January 1998 and December 2001. Antibiotic resistance and emm gene type distribution were assessed for 692 GAS isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed 100% sensitivity to penicillin, levofloxacin and vancomycin. Forty-four isolates (6.4%) were resistant to erythromycin, 38 (5.5%) resistant to tetracycline, 22 (3.2%) resistant to clindamycin, and 14 isolates (2.0%) showed multidrug resistance. The most prevalent genotypes were emm29 (18.0%), emm3 (15.2%), emm6 (13.5%), emm44/61 (9.1%), emm2 (7.3%), emm75 (6.4%), and emm1 (4.8%). An association was found among distinct emm types and geographic location. Erythromycin resistance was strongly associated with emm75 and emm29 isolates (p <0.001). Continued monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility and genetic epidemiology of GAS isolates is important for directing appropriate prevention and treatment strategies among U.S. military populations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 08, 2003
Accession Number
ADA436125

Entities

People

  • Anthony W. Hawksworth
  • Christopher P. Barrozo
  • Gregory C. Gray
  • Kevin L. Russell
  • Margaret A.K. Ryan
  • Tyler Clain Smith

Organizations

  • Naval Health Research Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Basic Training
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Epidemiology
  • Geographic Regions
  • Health Services
  • Infection
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Training
  • Resistance
  • South Carolina
  • Trainees
  • Training
  • United States
  • Vaccines

Readers

  • Infectious Disease/Epidemiology
  • Microbial Pathology

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology