Uji Kepekaan Bakteri Streptococcus Grup A (S. Pyogenes) Penyebab Demam Rematik terhadap Antibiotik pada Pasien Penderita Rheumatoid Arthritis di Klinik Pratama Sehati Husada

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation of the joints and the potential to impair the function of multiple extra-articular  organs. This inflammatory process may result in  joint stiffness, pain, and swelling, which if left inadequately managed, can lead to progressive joint dysfunction and irreversible disability. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is a laboratory method used to evaluate the sensitivity of bacteria to specific antibiotics and to determine the effectiveness of antimirobacterial agents. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of Streptococcus Pyogenes, a bacterium associated with rheumatic fever, to antibiotics in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis based on the inhibition zone produced. This research employed a quantitative study design. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer (Disc Diffusion) method, with blood agar culture medium used to isolate Streptococcus Pyogenes. The results indicated that azithromycin exhibited greater antibacterial activity against Streptococcus Pyogenes than amoxicillin, as demonstrated by a larger and more distinct inhibition zone. Therefore, azithromycin was found to be more effective than amoxicillin against streptococcus pyogenes under the conditions of this study.