Tetracycline Resistance Of Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococci

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine whether any group A streptococci isolated from clinical sources are now resistant to tetracycline antibiotics. Over a seven-month period in 1959 and 1960, 218 strains were isolated from a number of hospitals and clinical laboratories, and 42 strains (20%) were found to be resistant to tetracycline and demethylchlortetracycline. The majority of strains were isolated from patients with clinical infections, and some failed to respond to treatment with tetracyclines. Asymptomatic carriers were also noted. In the light of other recent reports, these results were taken to indicate that tetracyclines should probably not be used for prophylaxis of rheumatic fever, and should not be used for the therapy of streptococcal sore throats unless it is known that the infecting streptococcus is susceptible.