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Antimicrobial resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Crete, Greece
S Maraki1, A Christidou, Y Tselentis
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Parasitology, Zoonoses and Geographical Medicine, University Hospital of Crete, 711 10, Crete, Heraklion, Greece. sv9sk@danae.med.uoc.gr
Abstract:
Susceptibility to 14 antibiotics was determined for 125 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae collected over a 3-year period in Crete, Greece. Twenty-three isolates (18.4%) showed intermediate resistance and 15 (12%) high-level resistance to penicillin. Erythromycin, chloramphenicol, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole and sparfloxacin resistance rates were 16.8, 10.4, 19.2, 24.8 and 9.6%, respectively. Multiple resistance was observed in 22 strains. Vancomycin and levofloxacin were the most active agents tested. The most prevalent serotype among penicillin-susceptible pneumococci was 14, followed by 9, 7 and 1, while among penicillin-intermediate or -resistant strains serotype 23 was predominant followed by 19 and 9. These results show that as well as a high level of penicillin resistance in this region, some strains are also resistant to other antibiotics and may show multi-drug resistance.
Insights
This study found significant penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Greece, with many strains also showing resistance to other antibiotics. This highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections worldwide.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a significant public health threat.
- Understanding regional resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Crete, Greece.
- To assess the prevalence of penicillin resistance and multidrug resistance.
- To identify associations between serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Main Methods:
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on 125 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Isolates were collected over a 3-year period in Crete, Greece.
- Penicillin resistance, resistance to other antibiotics, and multidrug resistance were evaluated. Serotyping was also conducted.
Main Results:
- High-level penicillin resistance was observed in 12% of isolates, with an additional 18.4% showing intermediate resistance.
- Resistance rates for other antibiotics included erythromycin (16.8%), chloramphenicol (10.4%), tetracycline (19.2%), trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole (24.8%), and sparfloxacin (9.6%).
- Twenty-two strains exhibited multidrug resistance. Vancomycin and levofloxacin demonstrated the highest activity against the tested isolates. Serotype 23 was predominant among penicillin-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- A significant level of penicillin resistance exists in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Crete, Greece.
- Some strains display resistance to multiple antibiotics, indicating a potential for multidrug resistance.
- Continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance is essential for guiding clinical practice and public health interventions.