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The successful clone: the vector of dissemination of resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae

K P Klugman1

  • 1Department of International Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Room 764, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. kklugma@sph.emory.edu

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|January 31, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Dominant antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal clones are emerging. Fluoroquinolone resistance in these clones predicts wider spread, especially with common community use for respiratory infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • A limited number of pneumococcal clones are responsible for antibiotic resistance.
  • The prevalence of specific clones influences the spread of antimicrobial resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of dominant pneumococcal clones in the spread of antibiotic resistance.
  • To assess the predictive value of fluoroquinolone resistance emergence in these clones.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based surveillance of pneumococcal isolates.
  • Molecular characterization of antibiotic resistance mechanisms.
  • Epidemiological analysis of resistance gene dissemination.

Main Results:

  • A small number of pneumococcal clones are predominant among resistant isolates.
  • Emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance in these clones correlates with increased community fluoroquinolone use.
  • The molecular basis of resistance aids in predicting gene dissemination.

Conclusions:

  • Dominant clones are key drivers of pneumococcal antibiotic resistance.
  • Fluoroquinolone resistance in these clones signals potential for widespread dissemination.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for predicting antimicrobial resistance spread.

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