Tracking trends in the Top End: clindamycin and erythromycin resistance in Group A Streptococcus in the Northern Territory, 2012–2023
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Published:2024-07-17
Issue:
Volume:48
Page:
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ISSN:2209-6051
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Container-title:Communicable Diseases Intelligence
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language:
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Short-container-title:Commun Dis Intell (2018)
Author:
Nixon Joanne,Hennessey Jann,Baird Rob
Abstract
This retrospective study reviewed the macrolide resistance rates of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) isolates in the Northern Territory from 2012 to 2023. Clindamycin and erythromycin resistance rates peaked in 2021, at 6.0% and 12.2% respectively, and then returned to near baseline at 1–2% in 2023. Increased resistance rates were identified in the Top End of Australia from mid-2020, followed 15 months later by high rates in central Australia in 2022. Factors associated with resistant isolates were living in a rural region and of age 18 years and older. Possible explanations include a transient clonal introduction of a resistant GAS strain to the Northern Territory from 2020 to 2022. Ongoing surveillance is required to monitor regional trends and identify temporal variations in resistant isolates.
Publisher
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care