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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
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Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria

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Surveillance of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in one American metropolitan area, 1989-1998

R T Sahloul1, R J Stanek, M A Mufson

  • 1Department of Medicine, Marshall University School of Medicine, Huntington, WV 25701-3655, USA.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|November 1, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) increased significantly from 3% to 10% between 1989 and 1998. Invasive PRSP disproportionately affected young children and older adults.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections pose a significant public health threat.
  • The rise of antibiotic resistance, particularly penicillin resistance (PRSP), complicates treatment strategies.
  • Understanding the temporal trends and serotype distribution of PRSP is crucial for effective public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To track the emergence and incidence of invasive penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) and multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (MDRP).
  • To analyze the serotype distribution and demographic patterns of invasive PRSP infections over a decade.

Main Methods:

  • A 10-year retrospective study (1989-1998) of community-acquired pneumococcal isolates in a US metropolitan area.
  • Antibiotic sensitivity testing and capsular serotyping were performed on 350 pneumococcal isolates.
  • Incidence rates were calculated based on population data.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of PRSP among pneumococcal isolates rose from 3% to 10% over the study period.
  • Specific serotypes (6, 9, 14, 19, 23) were more frequently associated with PRSP, with some also exhibiting multidrug resistance (MDRP).
  • Invasive PRSP was most common in very young children and adults aged 80 years and older.

Conclusions:

  • A significant increase in invasive PRSP was observed, highlighting the growing challenge of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Certain serotypes are disproportionately involved in invasive PRSP, necessitating targeted surveillance and treatment approaches.
  • Vulnerable populations, including young children and the elderly, are at higher risk for invasive PRSP infections.

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