The emergence of lincosamide and macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes from Pakistan

from throat swabs (55%), followed by pus (17%), tissues (12%), and blood or wound swabs (7%). The majority of the S. pyogenes isolates were collected during the rainy season (55%) followed by cool season (40%), while merely 5% strains were isolated during the hot season, indicating a correlation of GAS incidence with seasonal changes. The highest rate of resistance was observed against clindamycin (29%), followed by macrolides (20%), and ciprofloxacin (14%). However, all strains of GAS were sensitive to penicillin and co-amoxiclav. Conclusions: The emergence of lincosamide and macrolide resistance among GAS is a major problem worldwide which is probably due to misuse of antibiotics, self-medication, or frequent use of these antibiotics.