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Influence of increased macrolide consumption on macrolide resistance of common respiratory pathogens

M Cizman1, M Pokorn, K Seme

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|September 11, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Increased macrolide use led to higher resistance in key respiratory bacteria like Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Continuous monitoring of macrolide resistance in pathogens is essential.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Macrolide antibiotics are widely used for respiratory infections.
  • Consumption patterns significantly influence antimicrobial resistance.
  • Evaluating resistance trends is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of increased macrolide consumption on resistance in common respiratory pathogens.
  • To specifically evaluate resistance trends for azithromycin and erythromycin.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of macrolide prescription data in Slovenia (1991-1996).
  • Microbiological surveillance of Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Moraxella catarrhalis resistance.
  • Comparison of resistance rates before and after the period of increased consumption.

Main Results:

  • A 3.5-fold increase in macrolide prescriptions was observed between 1991 and 1996.
  • Significant macrolide resistance emerged in Streptococcus pyogenes and Streptococcus pneumoniae by 1997.
  • Moraxella catarrhalis maintained uniform susceptibility to macrolides throughout the study period.

Conclusions:

  • Increased macrolide consumption is linked to rising antimicrobial resistance in key respiratory pathogens.
  • The emergence of resistance in Streptococcus species necessitates careful antibiotic stewardship.
  • Ongoing surveillance of macrolide resistance is vital to guide clinical practice and public health strategies.

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