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Development of macrolide-resistance and comparative activity of telithromycin in streptococci in Austria, 1996-2002

Astrid Buxbaum1, Sabine Forsthuber, Robert Sauermann

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

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents
|September 24, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes increased from 1996 to 2002. Telithromycin demonstrated high effectiveness against both bacteria, suggesting its potential as a treatment for respiratory tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Rising macrolide resistance in streptococci challenges their use for respiratory infections.
  • Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the trends in macrolide and penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes.
  • To evaluate the in vitro activity of telithromycin against these pathogens.

Main Methods:

  • Nationwide surveillance study analyzing 3012 Streptococcus pneumoniae and 499 Streptococcus pyogenes isolates from 1996-2002.
  • Susceptibility testing against penicillin, azithromycin, clarithromycin, and telithromycin (in 2002).

Main Results:

  • Penicillin resistance in S. pneumoniae increased from 4.9% in 1996 to 10% in 2002.
  • Macrolide resistance also rose in S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes during the study period.
  • Telithromycin exhibited high susceptibility rates: 99.8% for S. pneumoniae and 100% for S. pyogenes.

Conclusions:

  • Increasing macrolide resistance necessitates alternative therapeutic options.
  • Telithromycin shows promising activity against resistant strains of S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes.
  • Continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is vital for public health.

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