Trimethoprim–Sulfamethoxazole Susceptibility in Beta-Hemolytic Streptococci at a Canadian Tertiary Center
Description
This dataset contains antimicrobial susceptibility results for beta-hemolytic streptococci (BHS) isolates collected at a tertiary care hospital serving a mixed urban–rural population in Quebec, Canada, between December 30, 2024, and January 30, 2025. The primary hypothesis underlying this study was that contemporary BHS isolates in our region remain susceptible to trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), despite historical reports of variable resistance. Secondary objectives included describing susceptibility patterns to tetracycline, levofloxacin, erythromycin, and clindamycin. Clinical BHS isolates were obtained from routine diagnostic specimens submitted to the hospital microbiology laboratory. Species identification was performed using standard laboratory methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted by disk diffusion following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI 2026) guidelines for tetracycline, levofloxacin, erythromycin, and clindamycin, including testing for inducible clindamycin resistance (D-test). TMP-SMX susceptibility was assessed according to European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST 2026) criteria. The dataset includes isolate identifiers, specimen source, testing dates, zone diameters, and categorical interpretations (susceptible, intermediate, resistant) according to applicable standards. All patient identifiers were removed prior to analysis, and only anonymized laboratory data are included. Analysis of the dataset showed that 99% of isolates were susceptible to TMP-SMX in vitro. High susceptibility was also observed for levofloxacin, while lower susceptibility rates were found for tetracycline and clindamycin. These findings suggest that TMP-SMX remains highly active against BHS in this regional setting and may represent a potential therapeutic option for skin and soft tissue infections, pending further clinical evaluation. The dataset can be used to examine regional antimicrobial resistance patterns, compare susceptibility trends across geographic areas or time periods, and support antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Researchers may also use these data to validate surveillance studies, inform clinical guidelines, or conduct meta-analyses on BHS susceptibility to TMP-SMX and other agents. Interpretation of the data should consider that results reflect in vitro susceptibility from a single center over a defined time period and may not be generalizable to other settings or patient populations.
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Institutions
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de SherbrookeQuebec, Sherbrooke