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A community outbreak of group A beta haemolytic streptococci with transferable resistance to erythromycin

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

R. J. D. Scott
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5DB
J. Naidoo
Affiliation:
Antibiotic Reference Laboratory, Division of Hospital Infection, Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT
N. F. Lightfoot*
Affiliation:
Public Health Laboratory, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, Somerset TA1 5DB
R. C. George
Affiliation:
Antibiotic Reference Laboratory, Division of Hospital Infection, Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed.
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Summary

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Erythromycin resistance amongst group A streptococci (GAS) in Great Britain is a relatively rare occurrence and outbreaks have been sporadically reported. Over an 8-month period in 1986 ten associated cases occurred in the town of Bridgwater in Somerset. Isolates were group A, type M4 and resistant to erythromycin (MIC 8 mg/l) but sensitive to lincomycin and clindamycin. Erythromycin resistance was transferable from all isolates to a group A recipient strain. No plasmid DNA could be detected in the original isolates or transconjugants.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1989

References

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