Related Experiment Videos
Resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae: Implications for drug selection
1Departments of Pathology and Clinical Microbiology, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA. pappelbaum@psu.edu
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important pathogen in many community-acquired respiratory infections in the United States and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Unfortunately, S. pneumoniae is becoming increasingly resistant to a variety of antibiotics. Results of recent surveillance studies in the United States show that the prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae ranges from 25% to >50%, and rates of macrolide resistance among pneumococci are reported to be as high as 31%. A high prevalence of resistance to other antimicrobial classes is found among penicillin-resistant strains. Newer quinolones (e.g., gatifloxacin, gemifloxacin, and moxifloxacin) that have better antipneumococcal activity in vitro are the most active agents and therefore are attractive options for treatment of adults with community-acquired respiratory infections. Efforts should be made to prevent pneumococcal infections in high-risk patients through vaccination.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes many respiratory infections and is increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Newer quinolones show promise for treating infections caused by resistant strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of community-acquired respiratory infections in the US and globally.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae, particularly to penicillin and macrolides, poses a significant public health threat.
- Penicillin-resistant strains often exhibit resistance to other antimicrobial classes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To identify effective treatment options for community-acquired respiratory infections caused by resistant pneumococci.
- To emphasize the importance of preventive measures like vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent surveillance studies on antibiotic resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae in the United States.
- Evaluation of in vitro antipneumococcal activity of newer antimicrobial agents.
- Assessment of treatment options for community-acquired respiratory infections.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible S. pneumoniae ranges from 25% to over 50% in the US.
- Macrolide resistance rates among pneumococci reach up to 31%.
- Newer quinolones demonstrate superior in vitro activity against S. pneumoniae.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae is a critical issue necessitating careful treatment selection.
- Newer quinolones are effective treatment options for respiratory infections caused by resistant S. pneumoniae.
- Vaccination remains a key strategy for preventing pneumococcal infections, especially in high-risk populations.