Antibiotic susceptibility of group A streptococci in a national consultant hospital in Dar es Salaam: a four year follow-up.

Seventy one Group A streptococcal strains isolated between 1992 and 1995 at Muhimbili Medical Centre in Dares Salaam were found to be susceptible to penicillin G and cotrimoxazole. All except two strains, which showed intermediate susceptibility, were susceptible to erythromycin. Sixty five strains (91.5 %) were resistant to doxycycline. The findings confirm continuing efficacy of penicillin G, erythromycin and cotrimoxazole in treating Group A streptococci (GAS). The low prevalence of GAS with intermediate susceptibility to erythromycin and resistance to doxycycline by a majority of the GAS emphasise the need for regular monitoring of antibiotic susceptibility of GAS.