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Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes isolates in Berlin.
1Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Benjamin Franklin, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany. arvand@zedat.fu-berlin.de
The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|October 6, 2000
Summary
A significant rise in macrolide antibiotic resistance among Streptococcus pyogenes, particularly erythromycin resistance, was observed in Berlin isolates. This trend was more pronounced in pediatric patients, highlighting a growing public health concern.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Streptococcus pyogenes is a significant human pathogen.
- Emergence of antibiotic resistance in S. pyogenes poses a threat to effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profile of clinical Streptococcus pyogenes isolates in Berlin.
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of macrolide resistance.
Main Methods:
- Agar dilution method was used to test susceptibility of 212 S. pyogenes isolates to various antibiotics.
- Double-disc diffusion test was employed to characterize erythromycin-resistant isolates for clindamycin resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Overall erythromycin resistance was 12.7%, higher in children (18.9%) than adults (10.7%).
- Clarithromycin resistance mirrored erythromycin trends; 2.8% were ciprofloxacin-resistant.
- Penicillin and cefotaxime showed universal susceptibility.
- Among erythromycin-resistant strains, 35% showed constitutive, 55% inducible clindamycin resistance, and 10% were susceptible (M-phenotype).
Conclusions:
- A high rate of macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pyogenes has emerged in Berlin.
- The findings indicate a need for ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in S. pyogenes.