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Updated: Oct 3, 2026

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
[Streptococcus pneumoniae: lack of emergence of pristinamycin resistance]
1Laboratoire de biologie médicale BIO VSM, 10, rue de la Gare, 77360 Vaires-sur-Marne, France. pweber.biovsm@wanadoo.fr
Abstract:
Since 1997, a few studies have been published suggesting the emergence of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to pristinamycin. Such results were not confirmed by recent studies from different investigators using reference techniques for the determination of susceptibilities, which is in accordance with the low probability of emergence of resistance to this antibiotic in vitro. Discrepancies are encountered with macrolide-resistant strains and may be due to the type of method used for susceptibility testing (agar-diffusion test), the final inoculum used in this technique, or the recent lowering of breakpoint for susceptibility. On the contrary, correlation between reference techniques and commercial galleries using liquid medium is excellent. Despite 35 years of exerting selective pressure, the in vitro activity of pristinamycin remains constant against clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae.
Insights
Recent studies show Streptococcus pneumoniae remains susceptible to pristinamycin, contrary to earlier findings. In vitro activity of this antibiotic is consistent, even with resistant strains, highlighting reliable susceptibility testing methods.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Emergence of antibiotic resistance is a significant global health concern.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial infections.
- Pristinamycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the current susceptibility of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae to pristinamycin.
- To investigate discrepancies in previous findings regarding pristinamycin resistance.
- To assess the in vitro activity of pristinamycin against S. pneumoniae over time.
Summary:
- Recent studies using reference susceptibility testing methods have not confirmed earlier reports of emerging pristinamycin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Discrepancies in older studies may be attributed to specific testing methodologies, inoculum size, or altered susceptibility breakpoints.
- Excellent correlation exists between reference methods and commercial liquid-based testing for S. pneumoniae susceptibility.
- Despite prolonged selective pressure, pristinamycin maintains consistent in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae clinical isolates.
Impact:
- Confirms the continued efficacy of pristinamycin against Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Highlights the importance of standardized and validated susceptibility testing methods.
- Provides evidence supporting the use of pristinamycin in clinical settings for susceptible S. pneumoniae infections.
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