ASSESSMENT OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERNS OF MICROORGANISMS PRESENT IN SORE THROAT INFECTIONS

Abstract

Sore throat infections are a common health concern worldwide, and their management is often complicated by the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of microorganisms responsible for sore throat infections in Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 450 patients with clinically diagnosed sore throat infections were enrolled in the study. Throat swabs were collected and cultured to isolate bacterial pathogens. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined using the disc diffusion method, and clinical characteristics of the patients were also recorded. The results revealed that Group A Streptococcus (GAS) was the most prevalent bacterial pathogen, accounting for 24.4% of isolates, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.9%), Haemophilus influenzae (11.1%), and Moraxella catarrhalis (7.8%). Notably, Group A Streptococcus showed 100% susceptibility to Penicillin, while moderate resistance was observed to Erythromycin (10%). Resistance to Penicillin was higher in Haemophilus influenzae (60%) and Moraxella catarrhalis (100%), while Streptococcus pneumoniae exhibited resistance to Penicillin in 15% of cases. Ciprofloxacin and Amoxicillin-Clavulanate were highly effective against the majority of isolates, showing susceptibility rates of over 90%. A significant association was observed between bacterial infections and clinical symptoms such as fever and difficulty swallowing, which were more common in patients infected with Group A Streptococcus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In contrast, viral infections were characterized by milder symptoms and less frequent fever. The study concluded that antimicrobial resistance, particularly to commonly used antibiotics such as Penicillin, Erythromycin, and Cephalosporins, is a growing concern in the management of sore throat infections in Delta State, Nigeria. The study recommends the implementation of antibiotic stewardship programs, improvement in diagnostic capacity, regular antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and public health awareness campaigns to combat the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance. Additionally, further research is needed to track changes in resistance patterns over time and to explore alternative treatment options for managing sore throat infections.