Investigation of Multidrug Resistance of Isolated Streptococcus spp: Eight Years of Study

Fawwaz Fadhil Ali

doi:10.56286/bdxkee39

Authors

Fawwaz Fadhil Ali Continuing Education Centre, Northern Technical University, 41002 Mosul, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1005-3694

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56286/bdxkee39

Keywords:

Streptococcus, UTI, Multi-Drug Resistance, Iraq, superbugs, extreme resistance, Epidemiology, antibiotics

Abstract

Streptococcus species are associated with a wide range of infections, from mild conditions to serious illnesses, and are wellknown for their high levels of antimicrobial resistance. This study investigates the sensitivity and multidrugresistant manifestation of examined Streptococcus spp. over eight years (2016–2022 and 2024). A total of 2451 participants were included, comprising 396 males and 2055 females. Clinical samples were collected from infected patients and followed a standard protocol of sample processing in the laboratory. Suspected samples were analysed via standard microbiological procedures. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the disk diffusion method. Out of all participants, Streptococcus spp. were confirmed in 255 (10.4%). Urinary tract infections accounted for the majority of these cases, with (73.3%) of Streptococcus -positive patients presenting with urinary tract infections. Infection rates were significantly higher in females (83.4%) compared with (16.6%) in males. Seasonally, February, May and June showed the greatest number of confirmed cases, with Streptococcus spp. and S. pyogenes being the most frequently detected species during these months. Agewise, the highest infection rates occurred among individuals aged 20-24 and 25–29 years (17.3% and 14.9%, respectively). Multidrug resistance was prominent: 74,35% of Strep.. pyogenes isolates; 59.87% Strep. spp; 64.28% of Strp.. viridans, and 100% of Strep. faecalis exhibited resistance to at least three antibiotic classes. Overall, 65.49% of all Streptococcus spp. Isolates were classified as multidrugresistant. The isolates showed particularly high resistance to several commonly used antibiotics, including βlactam antibiotics, Oxacillin (96.7%), Ceftazidime (93%), Aztreonam (90.9%), Cloxacillin (86.3% ), and . High resistance was also observed against erythromycin (a macrolide), nalidixic acid (a fluoroquinolone), and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole, all showing different levels of resistance, with the highest sensitivity to imipenem and meropenem (75%). The findings highlight a concerning rise in Streptococcus infections and resistance levels over the study period. Routine susceptibility testing and revisions to empirical treatment strategies are strongly recommended to ensure effective patient management.

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