Objectives:

The aim of this study was to determine serotyps and susceptibility testing of Shigella isolates in Milad Hospital during summer of 2003.

Methods:

From June to October 2003 in total 669 stools and rectal swabs from patients admitted to clinics of milad hospital were sent to microbiology laboratory. All specimens were examined microscopically and inoculated into bacteriological culture media for isolation of enteropathogens. All isolated bacteria confirmed by biochemical methods and isolated Shigella species seotyped by antisera (Bahar Afshan Company). Susceptibility testing performed my disc-diffusion method as recommended by National Committee for Clinical laboratories Standards (NCCLS M2-A7, M100-S12).

Results:

Of 669 specimen 55 specimens yielded Shigella species In our study S. sonnei was the most prevalent serotype and accounted for (76.3%) of all isolates. The second prevalent serotype was S. flexneri with seven (12.2%) isolates followed by S. boydii and S. dysenteriae each three (5.45%) isolates. The majority of patients were children under 14 years old (85.5%). The mean age of patients was 9.8 years (SD ±16.3). Microscopical examination showed leucocyte and erythrocyte in 80% of cases. More than 80% of isolates were resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprime–sulphametoxazole and tetracycline. The rate of resistance to nadixic acid ciprofloacin cefotaxim, ceftrixone and amikacin were 11.7, 2, 2 and 9%, respectively.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that S. sonnei was the prevalent serotypes isolates in our hospital and there was a higher rate of resistance to ampicillin, trimethoprime–sulphamethoxazol and tetracycline among isolates of Shigella serotypes in our hospital.