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Gemifloxacin: survival of the fittest
1McMaster University School of Medicine, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. lmandell@fhs.csu.mcmaster.ca
Abstract:
The incidence of penicillin resistance in pneumococci is increasing in the USA, having risen from <5% before 1989 to >35% in 1997. There has also been a shift in the ratio of intermediate to high-level resistance from 3 or 4:1 to 2 or 1:1. Multidrug resistance and resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones in pneumococci is also a matter of concern. The implications for empirical treatment of respiratory tract infections are considerable. The potential of quinolones with activity against respiratory pathogens including pneumococci must be preserved by careful antimicrobial prescribing.
Insights
Penicillin resistance in pneumococci has significantly increased in the USA, alongside rising multidrug resistance. This trend impacts respiratory tract infection treatment and highlights the need for careful antimicrobial prescribing to preserve antibiotic effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Increasing penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in the USA.
- Observed shift in resistance ratios from intermediate to high-level resistance.
- Growing concern over multidrug, macrolide, and fluoroquinolone resistance in pneumococci.
Observation:
- Penicillin resistance in pneumococci rose from <5% before 1989 to >35% by 1997.
- The ratio of intermediate to high-level resistance shifted from 3-4:1 to 1-2:1.
Findings:
- Multidrug resistance in pneumococci is a growing concern.
- Resistance to macrolides and fluoroquinolones also noted in pneumococcal strains.
Implications:
- Significant implications for the empirical treatment of respiratory tract infections.
- Need for careful antimicrobial prescribing to preserve the efficacy of quinolones against pneumococci.