Oropharyngeal carriage and penicillin resistance of Neisseria meningitidis in primary school children in Manisa, Turkey
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Date
2004
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Abstract
Introduction: To determine the oropharyngeal carriage rates and serogroups of Neisseria meningitidis in primary school children in Manisa, Turkey as well as the prevalence and penicillin resistance of AC meningitidis. Materials and Methods: Throat swabs obtained from 1128 children were cultured and recovered organisms were tested by disk diffusion method and the E-test for antimicrobial susceptibilities. Results: The carriage rate of N. meningitidis in our region was 6.2% (71 strains) and the serogroups identified were serogroups A (28.1%), B (22.5%), C (35.2%), D (2.8%) and W-135 (11.2%). Penicillin resistance was found in 16 strains (22.5%), while beta-lactamase activity was found in none. Conclusions: The carriage rate of N. meningitidis and serogroups are similar to the rates reported in other countries. Continued surveillance of meningococci for antimicrobial resistance will allow early detection of changes in susceptibility patterns that might affect recommendations for chemoprophylaxis as well as for treatment.
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Keywords
antibiotic agent , beta lactamase , penicillin G , adolescent , antibiotic prophylaxis , antibiotic resistance , antibiotic sensitivity , article , bacterium carrier , bacterium culture , controlled study , enzyme activity , female , human , major clinical study , male , Neisseria meningitidis , oropharynx , penicillin resistance , primary school , school child , seroprevalence , strain difference , Turkey (republic)