Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 17, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
09:11

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Published on: September 25, 2014

Streptococcus pneumoniae from ophthalmic infections: serotype distribution and penicillin susceptibility

M S Mathews1, A Sivanandan, A Manoharan

  • 1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India. mmathews@micro.cmc.ernet.in

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|March 8, 2000
PubMed

Insights

This study identified penicillin-intermediate resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae ophthalmic isolates from India. No multidrug-resistant strains were found, indicating a need for ongoing surveillance of ocular pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of ocular infections, including conjunctivitis and uveitis.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a significant threat to effective treatment of ophthalmic infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of penicillin resistance in S. pneumoniae isolated from ophthalmic specimens in India.
  • To characterize the antibiotic resistance profiles and serotypes of these isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 617 ophthalmic specimens collected over 14 months.
  • Isolation and identification of S. pneumoniae.
  • Determination of penicillin Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values.
  • Serogrouping/typing of identified S. pneumoniae isolates.

Main Results:

  • Four out of 25 S. pneumoniae isolates exhibited intermediate resistance to penicillin, with MICs ranging from 0.125 to 0.25 microg/mL.
  • No multidrug-resistant strains were detected.
  • Common serogroups identified included 6A, 6B, 14, and 22.

Conclusions:

  • This study reports the first observation of penicillin-intermediate resistant S. pneumoniae ophthalmic isolates in India.
  • The findings highlight the emergence of antibiotic resistance in ocular S. pneumoniae and underscore the importance of antimicrobial susceptibility monitoring.

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction04:25

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Microbiome of the Eye01:22

Microbiome of the Eye

The human eye has a specialized microbiota that reflects its unique anatomical and immunological environment. This low-biomass microbial community predominantly colonizes the conjunctiva and eyelid margins, playing a vital role in ocular surface homeostasis and defense. Despite its proximity to the richly colonized facial skin, the ocular surface maintains a distinct microbial profile due to continuous mechanical and biochemical defense mechanisms.The conjunctival surface hosts fewer microbial...