Patterns of Antimicrobial Resistance and Molecular Detection of ipaH ShigellaStrains in Diarrhoeal Children in Sylhet

Abstract

Background: Despite the efforts of SDG and MDGs, diarrhoea remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five.

Aim: The present study aimed to observe the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and molecular detection of ipaH producing Shigella species from under 5 children with diarrhoea.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was carried out from July 1, 2021, to June 30,2022, in the Department of Microbiology in collaboration with the Department of Paediatrics at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital, Sylhet. The target population comprised all children with diarrhoea admitted to the Inpatient Department of Paediatrics. 98 sample were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and data were collected by a pre-designed questionnaire. Stool samples were collected promptly upon admission or prior to the commencement of any antibiotic therapy. The specimens underwent culture, Gram staining, and biochemical tests to identify Shigella species, followed by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular analysis (PCR) for the ipaH gene.

Result: The mean age of 2.84 ± 2.45 years with 56.1% male children. Shigella species were isolated from 13 cases (13.3%). All Shigella spp isolates produced ipaH gene. Shigella was found maximum in bloody diarrhoea (40.0%) (p=0.003). Out of 13 isolates all (100.0%) were sensitive to cefixime,ciprofloxacin and cefepime; 92.3% were sensitive to cefuroxime, ceftriaxone and mecillinam; 84.6%to azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid; 38.5% to nalidixic acid; 30.8% to tetracycline and ampicillin and 23.1% to trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole.

Conclusion: Diverse antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Shigella spp., was observed in the study sample.

J Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2026; 32 (01): 19-23