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Antimicrobial use in Europe and antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae

S Riedel1, S E Beekmann, K P Heilmann

  • 1Division of Microbiology, Department of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242-1009, USA.

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is linked to antimicrobial agent use across 15 European countries. Beta-lactam consumption showed the strongest association with increased pneumococcal resistance rates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a significant public health threat.
  • Understanding the relationship between antimicrobial usage and AMR is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between antimicrobial consumption and resistance rates in Streptococcus pneumoniae across 15 European countries.
  • To identify specific antimicrobial classes driving resistance in pneumococcal isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Characterization of 1974 pneumococcal isolates from community-acquired respiratory tract infections (2004-2005).
  • Determination of antimicrobial resistance percentages using broth microdilution (MIC method).
  • Analysis of antimicrobial consumption levels (ACL) from 1998-2004 using European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption data.
  • Linear regression analysis to compare ACL with country-specific resistance rates.

Main Results:

  • Overall resistance rates: Penicillin 24%, Erythromycin 24.6%, Tetracycline 19.8%, Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) 26.7%, Ciprofloxacin 2%.
  • Significant association found between overall antimicrobial use and S. pneumoniae resistance.
  • Beta-lactams demonstrated the strongest association with increased antimicrobial resistance.

Conclusions:

  • Antimicrobial agent use is a significant driver of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Europe.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on specific antimicrobial classes, particularly beta-lactams, may help mitigate resistance development.

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