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[Activity of different antimicrobial agents against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae]
1Departamento de Microbiología I, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
Since the first strains of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae were isolated in the 1960s, the rate of resistance has increased world- wide, though with geographic variations. Currently, the prevalence and patterns of antibiotic resistance in this microorganism vary widely from one country to another, as well as within in the same country. In our study we evaluated the in vitro susceptibility of 299 isolates of S. pneumoniae from patients with community-acquired respiratory tract infections from 1998-2000 to different antimicrobial agents. The following resistance results were obtained: 32.11% to penicillin, 4.35% to amoxicillin, 3.68% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 69.9% to cefaclor, 32.44% to cefpodoxime, 34.11% to cefuroxime, and 24.41% to azithromycin. For cefixime and ceftibuten there are no NCCLS breakpoint criteria.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global concern. Our study found significant in vitro resistance to common antibiotics like penicillin and cefaclor in respiratory tract infection isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The emergence of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) strains since the 1960s has led to increasing global antibiotic resistance.
- Antibiotic resistance patterns in S. pneumoniae exhibit significant geographic variations and changes over time.
- Community-acquired respiratory tract infections (CARTIs) are frequently caused by S. pneumoniae, necessitating an understanding of local resistance profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from patients with CARTIs.
- To determine the prevalence of resistance to various antimicrobial agents in a specific geographic region between 1998 and 2000.
Main Methods:
- Collection and in vitro susceptibility testing of 299 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
- Isolates were obtained from patients diagnosed with community-acquired respiratory tract infections.
- Testing was performed against a panel of different antimicrobial agents, including penicillin, amoxicillin, and macrolides.
Main Results:
- High rates of resistance were observed: 32.11% to penicillin, 69.9% to cefaclor, and 24.41% to azithromycin.
- Lower resistance rates were found for amoxicillin (4.35%) and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (3.68%).
- Significant resistance was also noted for cefpodoxime (32.44%) and cefuroxime (34.11%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights substantial in vitro resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to several commonly prescribed antibiotics.
- These findings underscore the importance of monitoring local antibiotic resistance patterns for effective treatment of respiratory tract infections.
- The high prevalence of resistance necessitates careful selection of antimicrobial agents based on susceptibility data.