title: Ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae in Johannesburg.
abstract: Surveys carried out using a chromogenic cephalosporin test for beta-lactamase production (ampicillin resistance) among isolates of Haemophilus influenzae in Johannesburg have indicated an appreciable prevalence, especially among children seen at the new Johannesburg Hospital. Of type b strains recovered from these children, 10,9% were ampicillin-resistant. Three of the last 10 cases of serious systemic H. influenzae infections encountered at the Johannesburg Hospital were caused by beta-lactamase-producing strains, all of these having been acquired in the community rather than in hospital. These findings suggest that the optimal initial starting treatment for serious systemic or life-threatening H. influenzae infections should include chloramphenicol, either alone or at least in conbination with ampicillin or a similar compound.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000667:Ampicillin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010403:Penicillin Resistance; D012703:Serotyping; D013019:South Africa; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D000667:Ampicillin; D001618:beta-Lactamases