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Published on: September 25, 2014

Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Athens, Greece

S Kanavaki1, E Mantadakis, S Karabela

  • 1Microbiology Laboratory, Sotiria Chest Hospital, Athens, Greece.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|November 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is increasing in Greece. This study found 18.4% of strains were not susceptible to penicillin, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of bacterial infections worldwide.
  • Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a significant public health threat.
  • Monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the current antibiotic susceptibility profile of Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates in Greece.
  • To assess changes in penicillin resistance rates compared to previous surveillance data.
  • To inform empirical antibiotic therapy guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 282 clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae collected from 1997-2003.
  • Standard antibiotic susceptibility testing methods were employed.
  • Comparison of resistance data with a prior study (1992-1993) from the same institution.

Main Results:

  • 18.4% of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates exhibited non-susceptibility to penicillin.
  • Intermediate resistance was observed in 13.1% and high-level resistance in 5.3% of isolates.
  • A 4.5% increase in penicillin resistance was noted compared to the 1992-1993 period.

Conclusions:

  • Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Greece is dynamic and evolving.
  • Continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistance is essential for guiding appropriate empirical treatment.
  • The rising penicillin resistance underscores the need for updated treatment protocols.

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