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Optochin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae: mechanism, significance, and clinical implications

A Pikis1, J M Campos, W J Rodriguez

  • 1Vaccine and Therapeutic Development Section, Oral Infection and Immunity Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4350, USA. apikis@dir.nidcr.nih.gov

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 28, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Optochin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern, potentially linked to antimalarial drugs. Researchers identified specific genetic mutations causing this resistance, impacting diagnostics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Clinical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Optochin susceptibility is a traditional identifier for Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Emerging optochin resistance in pneumococcal isolates presents a diagnostic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the characteristics and genetic basis of optochin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
  • To evaluate the implications of optochin resistance on bacterial identification and patient care.

Main Methods:

  • Phenotypic characterization of optochin-resistant and -susceptible pneumococcal isolates.
  • Genetic analysis, including sequencing of H(+)-ATPase subunits.
  • Antibiogram, serotyping, and restriction fragment profiling.

Main Results:

  • Four optochin-resistant pneumococcal isolates were identified, with three showing mixed resistant/susceptible populations.
  • Resistance correlated with specific point mutations in the H(+)-ATPase a- or c-subunits.
  • Resistant strains exhibited higher Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) and distinct genetic profiles.

Conclusions:

  • Optochin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is mediated by mutations in H(+)-ATPase.
  • The emergence of resistant strains necessitates alternative identification methods beyond optochin testing.
  • Further investigation into potential links with antimalarial drug exposure is warranted.

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