Multiresistant salmonella infections: an emerging health problem in Bangladesh

Abstract

Objective: Determine the prevalence and importance of multiresistant Salmonella isolates in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Methodology: The present status of multiresistant Salmonella infections was studied by analyzing cases who submitted faecal samples for culture to ICDDR.B hospital in Dhaka during 1989-1995. Results: In total, 4,044 Salmonella strains were isolated from 120,489 (3.36%) faecal samples during 1989-1995. Of the 499 salmonellae isolated in 1989, group C (33%) was the most common isolate, followed by S. typhi (21.2%), and group B (20.8%). In 1992, the isolation rate of Salmonella group B increased significantly to 57% (p<0.01) of the 628 Salmonella isolates, which increased further to 65% of the 977 Salmonella isolates in 1995. The isolation rates of S. typhi and all other serogroups decreased significantly in 1995 compared to 1989. Of the 82 Salmonella group B isolates tested, 45 (55%) were S. typhimurium and 35 (43%) 5. gloucester. Both the serotypes were resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline which are mediated by a 157-kb conjugative plasmid. Conclusion: The findings of the study suggest that multiresistant S. gloucester, a rare serotype, and 5. typhimurium were responsible for Sa/mone//a-associated diarrhoea in Bangladesh