Streptococcus pneumoniae penicillin resistance in Turkey

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections worldwide.
• Antimicrobial resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a significant public health threat.
• Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the resistance of S. pneumoniae isolates to penicillin, erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
• To analyze resistance trends based on year of isolation, patient age, and specimen type in Turkish hospitals.

Main Methods:

• Isolates of S. pneumoniae (n=750) were collected from four Turkish hospitals between 1996 and 1999.
• Penicillin susceptibility was determined using E-test strips.
• Resistance to erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was assessed via disk diffusion tests following NCCLS guidelines.

Main Results:

• Overall high and intermediate penicillin resistance was 3% and 29%, respectively.
• Penicillin resistance rates differed significantly between hospitals (p<0.001) and patient age groups (36% in children vs. 25% in adults).
• Highest penicillin resistance was observed in respiratory specimens (36%) and ear exudates (33.5%). Resistance to erythromycin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 8%, 5%, and 47%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Overall penicillin resistance in Turkish S. pneumoniae isolates is high.
• Resistance rates exhibit significant variation across different centers and patient demographics.
• No significant increase in penicillin resistance was observed between 1996 and 1999.