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Strep Bacteria Resistance Has Increased Significantly

A pediatric specialist noted that 30% of group A strep cases now show resistance to common antibiotics.

Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Asthma

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Approximately 30% of group A strep cases in the United States now show resistance to standard antibiotics, prompting experts to advocate for more selective pediatric testing. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Approximately 30% of group A strep bacteria have become resistant to azithromycin and clindamycin, complicating standard pediatric treatments. Experts now advocate for selective testing to prevent the overprescription of antibiotics for viral sore throats.

Why it matters

Overtesting and unnecessary antibiotic use for viral illnesses fuel the rise of bacterial resistance, limiting effective treatment options for children. Identifying low-risk patients helps preserve the efficacy of remaining treatments like penicillin and amoxicillin.

Invasive group A strep resistance to macrolides and clindamycin rose from 12.7% in 2013 to 33.1% in 2022. While 20% to 30% of pediatric sore throats are caused by strep, 12% to 20% of healthy children carry the bacteria asymptomatically.

The players

Dr. Hamdy

A pediatric specialist who presented research on rising antibiotic resistance in group A strep.

American Academy of Pediatrics

A professional organization that hosted the conference in San Diego where these findings were shared.

The details

Clinicians are using machine-learning tools like the Strep App, which achieves 83% accuracy by analyzing throat photos and symptoms, to identify which children truly require testing. These efforts aim to curb the high rates of antibiotic prescribing that were historically common in pediatric care.

Timeline

  1. Between 1995 and 2003, antibiotics were prescribed in 53% of sore-throat visits.

  2. In 2013, resistance to macrolides and clindamycin was 12.7%.

  3. By 2022, resistance to macrolides and clindamycin reached 33.1%.

  4. A study regarding invasive strep resistance was published in 2025.

  5. On October 5, 2026, Dr. Hamdy presented these findings at the AAP conference.

The Big Picture

This report follows the framework established by the 2025 JAMA study on invasive strep resistance. It updates the figures previously analyzed in that research to show the continued evolution of bacterial resistance.

Parents may find that pediatricians are more selective about testing for strep throat to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use. Following these guidelines helps ensure that effective medications, like penicillin, remain potent for when children truly need them.

The takeaway

Selective testing based on clinical symptoms is essential for slowing the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Parents should discuss with their doctors whether testing is necessary when symptoms like runny noses and coughs suggest a viral rather than bacterial infection.

What happens next

The research into the Strep App tool is currently ongoing, with future updates expected as the 6,000 enrolled children continue to be monitored.

Further reading

For more information on managing respiratory infections and treatment guidelines, visit our Asthma section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Medical Daily.

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Do you trust current medical guidelines regarding when to test children for strep throat?