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Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance on the Treatment of Invasive Pneumococcal Infections

Rocha1, Baleeiro, Tunkel

  • 1Department of Medicine, MCP Hahnemann University, 3300 Henry Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA. allan.tunkel@ drexel.edu

Current Infectious Disease Reports
|November 30, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance has led to penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP), making penicillin less effective for invasive pneumococcal disease. Experts question penicillin

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial chemotherapy drastically reduced mortality from infectious diseases like pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • The rise of antimicrobial resistance, driven by use, misuse, and abuse, is a significant global health concern.
  • Historically, Streptococcus pneumoniae was fully susceptible to penicillin G.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the emergence and implications of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP).
  • To review the current therapeutic recommendations for invasive pneumococcal disease in light of rising resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of historical data on antimicrobial susceptibility.
  • Analysis of in vitro susceptibility testing results.
  • Examination of animal data and clinical reports of penicillin failure.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) emerged in the late 1960s and has become widespread.
  • PNSP poses an epidemic threat in many regions, including the United States.
  • Penicillin is increasingly considered inadequate for invasive pneumococcal disease, particularly with central nervous system involvement.

Conclusions:

  • The efficacy of penicillin for invasive pneumococcal disease is compromised by widespread antimicrobial resistance.
  • Current therapeutic guidelines for pneumococcal infections are influenced by resistance trends, in vitro data, and clinical evidence of treatment failures.

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