A Race against Time: Reduced Azithromycin Susceptibility in <i>Salmonella enterica</i> Serovar Typhi in Pakistan
Junaid Iqbal, Irum Fatima Dehraj, Megan E. Carey, Zoe A. Dyson, Denise O. Garrett, Jessica C. Seidman, Furqan Kabir, Senjuti Saha, Stephen Baker, Farah Naz Qamar
Abstract
The emergence of XDR Salmonella Typhi in Pakistan has left azithromycin as the only viable oral treatment option. Here, we report the detection of an azithromycin resistance-associated mutation in one S. Typhi isolate. This finding is important because any possible spread of azithromycin resistance in S. Typhi isolates would make it nearly impossible to treat in outpatient settings due to the need of injectable antibiotics. Our findings also signify the importance of introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccine in regions of endemicity such as Pakistan.
Topics & Concepts
AzithromycinSalmonella typhiTyphoid feverMedicineSerotypeMicrobiologySalmonellaSalmonella entericaVirologyAntibioticsBiologyBacteriaGeneGeneticsEscherichia coliSalmonella and Campylobacter epidemiologyAntibiotic Resistance in BacteriaVibrio bacteria research studies