Streptococcus pyogenes and Its Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns among Primary School Students in Sana’a, the Capital of Yemen

Background: Streptococcus pyogenes, a common etiological agent of respiratory tract infections, swiftly acquires resistance to frequently utilized antibiotics. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility of Streptococcus pyogenes in schoolchildren in Sana'a, Yemen. Methods: We collected 484 throat swab specimens from elementary school pupils in Sana'a City from March to May 2023. S. pyogenes was isolated and identified using standard microbiological techniques. The antibacterial susceptibility profile was assessed using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Results: The results indicated that 38.2% of specimens tested positive for S. pyogenes. The incidence rate of S. pyogenes in males was 103 (40.4%), just surpassing that in females at 82 (33.8%). The age group of 5–9 years had a greater prevalence of S. pyogenes (418%) compared to the 10-15 years age group (36.5%). A greater prevalence of S. pyogenes was observed in pupils from government schools (39.5%) than in those from private schools (36.9%). S. pyogenes exhibited significant resistance to ampicillin (84.3%) and penicillin (81.1%). Conclusion: Consequently, comprehensive research is required to comprehend the epidemiological aspects that promote the spread of antibiotic resistance and to devise robust control and preventive measures.