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Published on: February 23, 2014

Hidden epidemic of macrolide-resistant pneumococci

Keith P Klugman1, John R Lonks

  • 1Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. keith.klugman@emory.edu

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|June 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide antimicrobial drugs are widely used for community-acquired respiratory infections. However, increased use has led to macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, raising concerns about treatment efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Community-acquired respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a major reason for antibiotic prescriptions globally.
  • Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary focus for antimicrobial resistance concerns.
  • Macrolides are frequently used for empirical treatment of RTIs due to their broad-spectrum activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide an overview of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • To assess the impact of macrolide resistance on the empiric treatment of community-acquired RTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • Analysis of the clinical implications of macrolide resistance for RTI treatment.

Main Results:

  • Increased macrolide use is linked to a global rise in pneumococcal resistance.
  • This growing resistance poses a threat to the continued effectiveness of macrolides in treating RTIs.

Conclusions:

  • Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant and growing concern.
  • The clinical efficacy of macrolides for community-acquired RTIs is being challenged by emerging resistance patterns.

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