Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Antimicrobial resistance is an ongoing issue in the treatment of typhoid fever. Resistance to first-line antimicrobials and extensively drug resistant (XDR) <i>Salmonella</i> Typhi isolates in Pakistan have left azithromycin as the only remaining effective oral treatment. Here, we report the emergence of organisms with a single point mutation in <i>acrB</i> gene, implicated in azithromycin resistance, in a <i>S.</i> Typhi isolate from Pakistan. The isolation of this organism is worrisome and highlights the significance of the introduction of typhoid conjugate vaccine in South Asia.<b>IMPORTANCE</b> The emergence of XDR <i>Salmonella</i> 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 <i>S.</i> Typhi isolate. This finding is important because any possible spread of azithromycin resistance in <i>S.</i> 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.

Original publication

DOI

10.1128/msphere.00215-20

Type

Journal

mSphere

Publication Date

22/07/2020

Volume

5

Addresses

Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.