Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
09:12

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Published on: January 17, 2014

The clinical significance of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: it's all relative

Eric Nuermberger1, William R Bishai

  • 1Center for Tuberculosis Research, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21231-1001, USA. enuermb@jhmi.edu

Clinical Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America
|December 18, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is increasing, potentially impacting community-acquired pneumonia treatment. Further research is needed to understand the clinical significance of this growing resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Macrolides are recommended for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP).
  • Increasing macrolide use has led to rising resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Conflicting data exist on whether in vitro resistance correlates with treatment failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review mechanisms of macrolide resistance.
  • To examine pharmacodynamics of macrolide therapy.
  • To assess the clinical significance of macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of resistance mechanisms.
  • Analysis of macrolide pharmacodynamics.
  • Evaluation of efficacy data from animal models and clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • Increasing incidence of macrolide resistance in pneumococcal isolates.
  • In vitro resistance association with treatment failure is debated.
  • Efficacy data from various sources are being synthesized.

Conclusions:

  • The clinical significance of macrolide resistance in S. pneumoniae requires further investigation.
  • Understanding resistance is crucial for effective CAP treatment strategies.
  • Future research should clarify the link between resistance and clinical outcomes.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...