Antimicrobial Resistance: Unexplained Failure to Antibiotic Therapy in a Case at Maluti Adventist Hospital Berea Lesotho

Aim: The aim of the present study was to highlight the presence and problem of antimicrobial resistance in our setting.

Case Presentation: We present a 17-year old female with yellow offensive vaginal discharge, itchiness and lower abdominal pain of about two-weeks duration. She was treated with antibiotics based on laboratory results of urine and high vaginal swabs. However, the symptoms persisted despite the treatment and high adherence to the medications.

Discussion: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) presents a painful risk to human health and life around the globe. The efficacy and effectiveness of antimicrobial agents are now under massive threat from increasing resistance of disease pathogens to antimicrobial agents. The unexplained failure of antibiotic therapy occurred despite the prescription being based on sensitivity results from swab culture on two separate occasions.

Conclusion: There is need for high index of suspicion of antimicrobial resistance by health workers. There is also need for rational prescription, dispensing and use of antimicrobial agents. Patients need increased access to high quality antimicrobial medicines and more awareness of the development, spread and prevention of antimicrobial resistance.