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Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Austria

Astrid Buxbaum1, Sabine Forsthuber, Wolfgang Graninger

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Pulmology, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.

The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy
|May 14, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is rising in Austria, with increasing penicillin and clarithromycin resistance observed between 1996 and 2002. Ongoing surveillance is crucial for effective vaccination and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • * Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
  • * Public Health Surveillance

Background:

  • * Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant morbidity and mortality globally.
  • * Antibiotic resistance and serotype distribution are critical factors influencing treatment and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • * To determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae isolates in Austria.
  • * To analyze the distribution of serotypes among these isolates.
  • * To assess the coverage of existing vaccines against prevalent serotypes.

Main Methods:

  • * A surveillance system collected 2367 S. pneumoniae strains across Austria (1996-2002).
  • * Isolates were tested for susceptibility to penicillin and clarithromycin.
  • * Serotyping was performed using the capsular swelling method.

Main Results:

  • * Penicillin resistance increased from 4.9% (1996) to 10.0% (2002).
  • * Clarithromycin resistance also showed an upward trend.
  • * Serotype distribution remained stable, with serogroups/types 23, 19, 6, and 14 being most common, but resistant strains shifted from serotype 23F to serogroups 9 and 14.

Conclusions:

  • * Rising pneumococcal resistance to key antibiotics necessitates continuous monitoring.
  • * Changes in serotype distribution among resistant strains impact vaccine effectiveness.
  • * Ongoing surveillance is vital for optimizing vaccination and antibiotic therapy strategies.

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