Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2026

Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Yearly incidence of penicillin-resistant staphylococci in man since 1942
Abstract:
For this study of the year-by-year change in the incidence of carriage of or infection by penicillin-resistant, coagulase-positive or haemolytic staphylococci in man, 248 contributions to the medical literature have been analysed and grouped under three main headings: people in hospitals, people with clinical signs attending out-patients' wards or doctors' surgeries, and people not currently receiving medical care.This analysis shows that there has been a steady increase in resistant strains among persons of the first group from 1942 to 1955, followed by a slight decrease to 1959, possibly owing to more discriminating use of penicillin. A steady increase was found in the other two groups from 1942 to 1959, the rate of increase being more pronounced among the group with clinical signs.The authors draw attention to the possible influence of the ingestion of penicillin with food on the incidence of resistant strains; the occurrence of such strains in certain foods; and the need for standardized techniques for sampling, for testing for staphylococci and for determining resistance.
Insights
Penicillin-resistant staphylococci carriage increased in humans from 1942-1959, particularly in those with clinical signs. This study analyzed medical literature to track resistance trends in different patient groups.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Literature Analysis
Background:
- Staphylococcal infections pose a significant public health challenge.
- The emergence of antibiotic resistance, particularly penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus strains, has been a growing concern since the widespread use of penicillin.
- Understanding the epidemiological trends of resistant staphylococci is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the year-by-year changes in the incidence of penicillin-resistant, coagulase-positive, or haemolytic staphylococci carriage or infection in humans.
- To identify trends in resistant staphylococci across different population groups: hospitalized patients, outpatients with clinical signs, and individuals not receiving medical care.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of 248 contributions to the medical literature.
- Categorization of data based on patient population: hospital inpatients, outpatients with clinical signs, and the general population without current medical care.
- Longitudinal data analysis from 1942 to 1959 to track incidence changes.
Main Results:
- A steady increase in penicillin-resistant staphylococci was observed in hospitalized individuals from 1942 to 1955, followed by a slight decrease until 1959.
- Consistent increases in resistant strains were noted in outpatients with clinical signs and in the general population from 1942 to 1959.
- The rate of increase in resistant strains was more pronounced among patients presenting with clinical signs.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant rise in penicillin-resistant staphylococci across various human populations over the analyzed period.
- Potential factors influencing resistance, such as penicillin ingestion with food and its presence in food sources, warrant further investigation.
- Standardized methodologies for sampling, staphylococci testing, and resistance determination are essential for accurate epidemiological surveillance.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance
Production of Antibiotics
Development of Antibiotic Resistance
Staphylococcal Skin Infections
History of Microbiology