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Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction
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Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae antibiotic resistance in Northern Territory children in day care

S Skull1, T Shelby-James, P Morris

  • 1Centre for Disease Control Darwin, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|November 26, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is rising in Australian children attending daycare. Penicillin resistance was found in 30% of isolates, with high levels observed in Northern Territory children.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Increasing antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) is a global concern.
  • Evidence suggests this trend may be emerging in Australia.
  • Understanding SP carriage and resistance in vulnerable populations, like children in daycare, is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) carriage and antimicrobial resistance levels.
  • To assess resistance patterns in children attending urban daycare centers in the Northern Territory.
  • To provide baseline data for monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involving 250 children in nine Darwin daycare centers.
  • Fortnightly nasopharyngeal swabs collected over six months (March-September 1997).
  • Parental interviews regarding antibiotic administration and confirmation of resistance via E-test.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) was detected in 52% of swabs and isolated from 92% of children.
  • Penicillin resistance identified in 30% of isolates (20% intermediate, 5% high-level).
  • High rates of resistance observed for ceftriaxone (19%), co-trimoxazole (45%), erythromycin (17%), tetracycline (17%), and chloramphenicol (13%). Multiresistance found in 17% of isolates.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillin resistance levels in Northern Territory daycare children are significantly higher than the Australian average.
  • The findings suggest an increasing national trend of penicillin resistance.
  • Urgent monitoring and intervention strategies are needed to combat rising antimicrobial resistance in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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