Antimicrobial susceptibility of typhoid fever caused by salmonella enterica in India: A one-year laboratory-based study

Enteric fever, commonly referred to as Typhoid fever, remains a significant global health concern, particularly in regions like India. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the occurrence of enteric fever linked to Salmonella enterica and evaluate its susceptibility to crucial therapeutic antimicrobial agents. A laboratory-based cross-sectional approach was employed, analyzing blood culture samples collected at Healthians Labs Gurugram, India, from March 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Out of 2,714 samples tested using the Bactec FX 40 system for aerobic blood culture, 145 (5.34%) were positive for typhoidal salmonellae. Predominantly, S. Typhi (99, 68%) was identified, followed by S. Paratyphi A (46, 33%). Notably, both S. Typhi and S. Paratyphi A infections exhibited higher prevalence among males and within the 0-20 years age group. The peak incidence was observed between June and September, with the highest number of cases reported in September. Remarkably, cefotaxime and azithromycin demonstrated the highest sensitivity against S. Typhi, with a 100% efficacy rate, followed by cefepime and chloramphenicol (99%), and ampicillin (97%). For S. Paratyphi A, ampicillin, cefepime, cefotaxime, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol all exhibited 100% effectiveness as antibiotics. These findings highlight the persistent public health significance of enteric fever and underscores the importance of continuous surveillance and the adaptation of treatment approaches in the face of evolving antibiotic resistance patterns within Salmonella strains.