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Macrolide resistance in Belgian Streptococcus pneumoniae
K Lagrou1, W E Peetermans, J Verhaegen
1Departments of Microbiology and Immunology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, K.U. Leuven, Belgium. katrien.lagrou@rega.kuleuven.ac.be
Abstract:
The genetic basis of macrolide resistance was characterized in 59 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates. All isolates were collected in 1995 and 1997 and were from invasive infections. The majority of the isolates (54 of 59 isolates) were erythromycin and clindamycin resistant (MLS(B)-phenotype) and carried the ermAM gene. Five isolates were erythromycin resistant but clindamycin susceptible (M-phenotype). Using PCR the mefE gene was detected in these five isolates. Contrary to the situation found in Canada and the USA, mefE-mediated erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae is uncommon in Belgium.
Insights
Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae was studied. The ermAM gene caused most resistance, but mefE-mediated resistance, common in North America, was rare in Belgium.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of invasive bacterial infections.
- Macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding the genetic basis of resistance is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the genetic basis of macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Belgium.
- To determine the prevalence of specific resistance genes (ermAM and mefE) in these isolates.
- To compare macrolide resistance patterns in Belgium with those in Canada and the USA.
Main Methods:
- Collection of 59 S. pneumoniae isolates from invasive infections between 1995 and 1997.
- Phenotypic characterization of macrolide resistance (erythromycin and clindamycin).
- Molecular detection of ermAM and mefE genes using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).
Main Results:
- The majority of isolates (54/59) exhibited the MLS(B)-phenotype and carried the ermAM gene.
- Five isolates displayed the M-phenotype (erythromycin resistant, clindamycin susceptible) and harbored the mefE gene.
- mefE-mediated erythromycin resistance in S. pneumoniae was found to be uncommon in Belgium.
Conclusions:
- The ermAM gene is the predominant mechanism of macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae from invasive infections in Belgium during 1995-1997.
- The mefE gene, a common cause of erythromycin resistance in North America, is infrequent in Belgian S. pneumoniae isolates.
- These findings highlight regional variations in macrolide resistance determinants in S. pneumoniae.