Increased Antimicrobial Resistance
against metronidazole and carbapenem in clinical anaerobic isolates from
Pakistan was recently reported by reported by Shafquat and colleagues from , Aga Khan University Hospital,in
Karachi, Pakistan.
Of
the 223 clinically significant isolates collected between 2014 and 2017, 39
(17.5%) were metronidazole resistant. Imipenem resistance was determined in 29
metronidazole resistant isolates and of these 7 (24.1%) were found to be
resistant. Proportion of metronidazole resistant strains was highest amongst Bacteroides
species. A significant increase in metronidazole resistance from 12.3% in
2010-2011 to 17.5% in the current study was found. Carbapenem resistance also
emerged in the period 2014-2017.
Isolates from malignancy and transplant
patients showed lower odds of developing metronidazole resistance. Prolonged
hospital stay was not associated with metronidazole resistance.
The worldwide rising trend of
metronidazole resistance and emergence of carbapenem resistance in anaerobic
bacteria is alarming. Continued surveillance with strengthening of laboratory
capacity regarding anaerobic susceptibility testing is urgently needed.
