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Invasive pneumococcal infections: a clinical and microbiological analysis of 53 patients in Taiwan

C-Y Lee1, C-H Chiu, Y-C Huang

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Taoyuan General Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|August 20, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is high, especially in children, linked to prior antibiotic use. Vaccination is recommended for high-risk groups to prevent invasive pneumococcal infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Invasive pneumococcal infections (ISPI) pose a significant health burden.
  • Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern globally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine penicillin susceptibility among Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive diseases.
  • To identify risk factors associated with antibiotic resistance in these infections.
  • To compare resistance patterns between pediatric and adult populations.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of patients with invasive pneumococcal infections.
  • Microbiological confirmation and clinical data review.
  • Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for penicillin and ceftriaxone using NCCLS methodology.

Main Results:

  • High rates of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) were observed (95.5% in children, 54.8% in adults).
  • Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) rates were substantial (45.5% in children, 41.9% in adults).
  • Prior antibiotic use was more frequent in children, correlating with higher PNSP rates; adults had more underlying diseases and higher mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent need for strategies to combat high penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Vaccination is recommended for young children and elderly individuals with underlying conditions to prevent ISPI.
  • Further research into resistance mechanisms and alternative treatment options is warranted.

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