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Updated: Jul 23, 2026
09:12
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
Macrolide use identified as risk factor for macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in a 17-center case-control
S E Beekmann1, D J Diekema, K P Heilmann
1Division of Medical Microbiology, Department of Pathology 265 MRC, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, 52242, USA. susan-beekmann@uiowa.edu
Summary
Recent antibiotic use, particularly macrolides, significantly increases the risk of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae. Alcohol abuse history appears protective against this resistance.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections worldwide.
- Macrolide antibiotics are crucial for treating S. pneumoniae infections.
- Increasing macrolide resistance poses a significant public health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify risk factors associated with macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To analyze patient data from a large-scale U.S. surveillance study.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed.
- 1,817 S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from November 2002 to April 2003 across 44 U.S. centers.
- Seventy-five macrolide-resistant isolates (cases) were matched with one susceptible isolate (control) each.
Main Results:
- Macrolide use within 6 weeks prior to sample collection was a significant risk factor for macrolide resistance.
- History of alcohol abuse was found to be a protective factor.
- Any antibiotic use in the preceding 6 weeks was associated with macrolide resistance, with previous macrolide use showing the strongest association.
Conclusions:
- Recent macrolide exposure is a key risk factor for developing macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae.
- Antibiotic stewardship programs should emphasize limiting macrolide use.
- Further research into the protective mechanisms of alcohol abuse history may be warranted.
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