Streptococcus pyogenes in human at Dhamar, Yemen: Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was carried out across multiple areas of Dhamar, Dhamar Governorate between 2024 and 2025 to assess the prevalence of Streptococcus pyogenes among individuals and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated strains. A total of 381 throat swabs were collected from participants presenting with sore throat of varying severity. Samples were transported to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, where culture and biochemical analyses were performed. Out of the 381 samples examined, 67 (17.59%) tested positive for S. pyogenes. The highest prevalence was observed in Robbat Al-Qalah (4.72%), while the lowest was recorded in Rakhamah (0.26%). Age-wise distribution showed the highest prevalence in the 5–15 years group (7.61%), and the lowest in individuals aged 45 years and above (2.36%). Seasonal variation revealed the peak prevalence in October (4.99%) and the lowest in March (0.79%). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in prevalence across locations and months. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing indicated that the isolates were sensitive to Penicillin G, Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Cefotaxime, Cephalosporins, Ceftriaxone, Lincomycin, and Vancomycin. Conversely, resistance was observed against Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Levofloxacin, Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin. In conclusion, Streptococcus pyogenes is prevalent in the studied areas of Dhamar Governorate. Routine monitoring of antibiotic resistance in both human and veterinary contexts is recommended. Further epidemiological investigations are warranted to expand knowledge of streptococcal infections in other regions of the governorate.