Assessment of antibiotic resistance of Salmonella typhi isolated from children with typhoid fever Ref.No.SSTCRC2550
1. Introduction
Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella typhi, from contaminated water or food. Antibiotic resistance is a major concern in the treatment of Salmonella typhi infections, especially in areas where access to adequate medical care is limited such as in the eastern region of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), making the assessment of antimicrobial resistance essential to optimize therapeutic strategies. This study aims to evaluate the antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella typhi isolates in children under 10 years of age with typhoid fever, based on the results of blood and stool cultures performed in a tertiary hospital in Goma.
2. Objective
This observational study based on blood and stool culture results in a tertiary hospital in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo aims to identify the prevalence and evaluate the antibiotic resistance profile of Salmonella Typhi strains isolated from blood and stool culture samples in children under 10 years of age and to determine antibiotic susceptibility profiles and identify risk factors associated with resistance.
This study aims to:
-Analyze the effectiveness of antibiotics commonly prescribed for typhoid fever in this specific region, and to compare the results obtained with standard treatment recommendations.
-Compare the results obtained with those of previous studies, if available, to assess trends in antibiotic resistance in the region and understand possible developments.
-Provide valuable data to guide Salmonella typhi infection management strategies, improve treatment protocols, and strengthen antibiotic resistance control measures.
-Contribute to the continuing education of health professionals on issues of antibiotic resistance and promote the rational use of antimicrobial treatments.
3. Research Plan
Research question
-What is the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella typhi strains in children under 10 years of age in a tertiary hospital in the city of Goma?
-What are the antibiotic resistance profiles observed in Salmonella typhi strains isolated from blood and stool cultures in these children in a tertiary hospital in the city of Goma?
-Are there significant differences in antibiotic resistance profiles between strains isolated from blood cultures and those isolated from stool cultures?
-Which antibiotics show the greatest efficacy against Salmonella typhi, compared with international therapeutic recommendations?
-Salmonella typhi strains in children under 10 years of age in a tertiary hospital in the city of Goma?
-What are the most effective antibiotics against these strains?
-Are there clinical or epidemiological factors associated with resistance?
Research hypotheses
-Salmonella typhi strains isolated from children under 10 years of age in a tertiary hospital in Goma show significant resistance to antibiotics commonly used to treat typhoid fever.
-Blood and stool culture results show varying antibiotic resistance profiles, indicating potential differences in the severity or spread of resistant strains.
-Living conditions, such as access to clean water and sanitation facilities, are contributing factors in the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among children with typhoid fever.
4. Potential impacts and Innovation of the study
This study will serve to improve the clinical management of typhoid fever in young children living in the city of Goma and contribute significantly to the fight against antibiotic resistance at the local and international levels. This research study will provide specific data on the antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella typhi, which will help identify which antibiotics are still effective and which are no longer. The results of this study will help adapt treatment protocols to the local situation, thus reducing the risk of ineffective treatments and improving clinical outcomes.
This study will provide context-specific data, which is essential to understanding resistance dynamics in a region with public health challenges. The combined use of blood and stool culture results allows for a more comprehensive assessment of resistance. This will provide a more accurate view of the prevalence and resistance profiles of Salmonella typhi, comparing data obtained by different culture methods. The focus on children under 10 years of age, a particularly vulnerable group, allows for a better understanding of the specific challenges of treating typhoid fever in this age group, and for developing recommendations tailored to the needs of young patients. The study could explore environmental, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors that contribute to antibiotic resistance, allowing for the development of targeted interventions to improve treatment and prevention practices. By highlighting the issue of antibiotic resistance in a local context, the study helps raise awareness among healthcare professionals and strengthen training on best practices for prescribing and managing infections.
5. Output
This study as expected results: it will provide data on the prevalence of antibiotic resistance among Salmonella typhi isolates in the region, thus allowing to better understand the current challenges of typhoid fever treatment and to guide treatment and prevention policies. The results of this study will help to adapt local therapeutic protocols, strengthen surveillance strategies and inform public health policies to better manage Salmonella typhi infections in this high-risk region. Assessment of antibiotic resistance in children with typhoid fever in the city of Goma (eastern region of the DR Congo) is crucial to improve clinical management and reduce morbidity associated with this disease.