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Sensitivity and resistance to antibiotics of Streptococcus pneumoniae involved in severe infections (1990-2000)

T Turcu1, V Luca, C Luca

  • 1School of Medicine, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Gr. T. Popa Iaşi.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|July 3, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae causes severe infections with increasing penicillin resistance globally. Our study found 22.8% penicillin resistance in invasive pneumococcus strains, highlighting the need for updated treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of severe bacterial infections worldwide.
  • Increasing antimicrobial resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a significant global health threat.
  • Penicillin G resistance and multidrug resistance are particularly concerning in pneumococcal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and trends of antibiotic resistance in invasive pneumococcal strains.
  • To determine the resistance rates to key antibiotics including Penicillin G, Rifampin, Chloramphenicol, and Erythromycin.
  • To provide data for adapting current treatment guidelines for pneumococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 136 strains of invasive pneumococcus isolated over a 10-year period.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for various antibiotics.
  • Evaluation of yearly variations in resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • A medium resistance rate of 22.8% to penicillin was observed in the studied strains.
  • Yearly variations in penicillin resistance were noted.
  • Resistance rates to Rifampin, Chloramphenicol, and Erythromycin were 4.4%, 7.8%, and 8.0%, respectively.

Conclusions:

  • The study confirms a significant level of penicillin resistance and multidrug resistance in invasive pneumococcal isolates.
  • Observed resistance patterns necessitate adjustments in the therapeutic approach to pneumococcal infections.
  • These findings have direct implications for clinical practice and antimicrobial stewardship.

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