Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
06:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Acute bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to the antimicrobian agents and their

Andrea Maciel de Oliveira Rossoni1, Libera Maria Dalla Costa, Denize Bonato Berto

  • 1Pediatric Service, Hospital de Clinicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil. andrea@sms.curitiba.pr.gov.br

Arquivos De Neuro-Psiquiatria
|September 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found moderate penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae causing meningitis, with serotype 14 being most prevalent among resistant strains. A third-generation cephalosporin is suggested for initial empirical treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pharmacy

Background:

  • Bacterial meningitis remains a significant public health concern.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in S. pneumoniae complicates treatment and necessitates ongoing surveillance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess resistance rates of S. pneumoniae to penicillin G, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin in meningitis patients.
  • To identify risk factors associated with antimicrobial resistance.
  • To characterize prevalent serotypes and guide empirical meningitis treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of antimicrobial susceptibility and serotyping of S. pneumoniae isolates from meningitis patients.
  • Data collected from April 2001 to August 2002 at the Paraná State Central Laboratory.
  • Statistical analysis to determine risk factors for resistance.

Main Results:

  • 15% of S. pneumoniae isolates showed penicillin resistance, 1% cephalosporin resistance, and 0% vancomycin resistance.
  • Serotype 14 was the most common overall (19%) and among resistant strains (44%).
  • Risk factors for resistance included age under one year and prior antibiotic use.

Conclusions:

  • Resistance rates indicate moderate penicillin, low cephalosporin, and no vancomycin resistance.
  • A third-generation cephalosporin is recommended for initial empirical therapy of community-acquired bacterial meningitis.
  • Serotype surveillance is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction04:25

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...