Etiological Aspects of Penicillin-Failure in the Treatment of Tonsillitis and Pharyngitis Caused by Group A, Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci (GABHS)

Abstract

Objective: To observe and study the cause of penicillin-failure and to see the therapeutic effects of other drugs and find out more effective and better remedy.

Study Design:  A Retrospective study

Place and Duration of Study:  This study was conducted in Microbiology Department, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, National institute of Child Health from April 2004 – June 2005.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 300 children attending OPD’s and admitted (250 suspected and 50 Normal as control cases) of age group 5 – 15 years were included in this study.

Result: Drug sensitivity pattern of streptococcus pyogenes isolated in infected and control children was observed. Antibiotic discs used were Penicillin (10) units and Erythromycin(15 micrograms). The organism isolated GABHS shows 100% sensitivity to penicillin, while in case of erythromycin, it was sensitive in 24(85.7%) infected cases and resistant to 4(14.3%) cases.

Conclusion: Pharyngotonsillitis is a disease of poor community, the therapy with penicillin is economical compared with Cephalosporin group. Penicillin therapy is helpful in preventing the supporative and n supporative complications caused by GABHs.