Drug sensitivity pattern of cholera in children.
OBJECTIVE
To study the drug sensitivity pattern of cholera in children.


METHODS
DTU of Civil Hospital, Karachi.


METHODS
All children age 2 months to 15 years attending Diarrhoea Treatment Unit (DTU) with acute onset of diarrhoea and dehydration were screened for cholera. Stool samples were collected in alkaline peptone and those positive for cholera had their antibiotic sensitivity determined.


RESULTS
Of 846 stool specimens, 161 were positive for V. Cholera. All were sensitive to third generation cephalosporins and quinolones, 98-100% to nalidixic acid, 82-86% to chloramphenicol and 67-75% to doxycycline and all were resistant to cotrimaxazole.


CONCLUSIONS
Cholera can be treated with nalidixic acid or chloramphenical in young children while doxycycline for older children. Cotrimoxazole is not effective. Efforts should be done for identification and surveillance of cholera cases, along with change of sensitivity pattern of Vibrio cholera.
Memon
I A
IA
Department of Pediatrics, Unit II, Dow Medical College, Civil Hospital, Karachi.
Murtaza
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002771:Cholera / Q000188:drug therapy; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D009268:Nalidixic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014734:Vibrio cholerae / Q000187:drug effects*
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009268:Nalidixic Acid