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Antimicrobial resistance among clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae in North America

A L Barry1

  • 1Clinical Microbiology Institute, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070, USA.

The American Journal of Medicine
|August 18, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae has increased over 30 years, with about 10% of strains highly resistant and often multi-drug resistant. New therapies are crucial to combat resistant bacteria and prevent further resistance development.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing public health concern.
  • Over the past three decades, a significant increase in resistant strains has been observed globally.
  • Penicillin-resistant pneumococci are prevalent in North American medical centers, with regional and temporal variations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To historically trace the development of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • To analyze the prevalence and characteristics of penicillin-resistant pneumococci in North America.
  • To highlight the need for new therapeutic strategies against multi-drug resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • Historical data analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance patterns.
  • Surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility in clinical isolates.
  • Characterization of resistance mechanisms in resistant strains.

Main Results:

  • Approximately 75% of pneumococci in the US remain fully susceptible to penicillin.
  • 15% of pneumococci exhibit intermediate susceptibility to penicillin.
  • About 10% of pneumococci are highly resistant, often displaying multi-drug resistance.

Conclusions:

  • The rise of multi-drug resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae necessitates urgent development of novel therapeutic approaches.
  • Discontinuation of inappropriate antibiotic use is essential to mitigate the selection of resistant mutants.
  • Effective treatment options for serious infections caused by resistant strains are limited.

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