Current antimicrobial sensitivity pattern of typhoidal salmonellae in a referral diagnostic centre

Background: Infections caused by typhoidal salmonellae are an important public health concern in Pakistan. Inappropriate and injudicious use of fluoroquinolones has reduced their efficacy due to development of high level resistance.
Aim: To ascertain the current susceptibility pattern of typhoidal salmonellae thus guiding the physicians for better management of typhoid patients.
Materials and Methods: A study was conducted at our institution from January 2012 through December 2013 to investigate current susceptibility pattern of typhoidal salmonellae.
Results: Out of 200 isolates, 107 (53.5%) were identified as Salmonella Typhi and 93 (46.5%) as Salmonella Paratyphi A. Sensitivities of Salmonella Typhi were as follows: ampicillin (48.6%), chloramphenicol (45.8%), co-trimoxazole (40.1%), ciprofloxacin (11.2%). Sensitivities of Salmonella Paratyphi A were: ampicillin (80.6%), chloramphenicol (89.2%), co-trimoxazole (90.3%), and ciprofloxacin (16.1%). No resistance was detected against third generation cephalosporins.
Conclusions: Typhoidal salmonellae are still entirely susceptible to third generation cephalosporins in our setting. Marked rise in resistance to fluoroquinolones has reduced their empirical usage. Sensitivity of Salmonella Paratyphi A to conventional antityphoid drugs was encouraging.