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Antibiotic susceptibility of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b isolates in Denmark in 1988 and 1989
1Paediatric Department GGK, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
A system for surveillance of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections in Denmark yielded 135 strains isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid from August 1988 through December 1989. The susceptibility of the strains to 7 antibiotics was investigated by an agar dilution method. Ceftriaxone was found to be the most active drug followed by cefotaxime, ceftazidime, rifampicin, ampicillin, cefuroxime, and chloramphenicol. Except for ampicillin the MICs for the individual antibiotics were similar. Seven strains (5.2%), which all produced beta-lactamase, were resistant to ampicillin. Since H. influenzae type b meningitis in otherwise healthy individuals almost exclusively occurs in children aged 2 months to 4 years, a third generation cephalosporin such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime may be considered the drug of choice for initial therapy of meningitis in this age group.
Insights
Surveillance of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections identified 135 strains. Ceftriaxone and cefotaxime showed the most activity against these strains, with few exceptions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infections pose a significant public health concern.
- Surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring infection trends and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b strains in Denmark.
- To identify the most effective antibiotics for treating Hib infections.
Main Methods:
- Agar dilution method used to test susceptibility of 135 Hib strains to 7 antibiotics.
- Strains were isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid between August 1988 and December 1989.
Main Results:
- Ceftriaxone demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity, followed by cefotaxime, ceftazidime, rifampicin, ampicillin, cefuroxime, and chloramphenicol.
- Seven strains (5.2%) were resistant to ampicillin, all producing beta-lactamase.
- MICs for most antibiotics were similar across strains, except for ampicillin.
Conclusions:
- Third-generation cephalosporins like ceftriaxone and cefotaxime are recommended for initial treatment of Hib meningitis in children aged 2 months to 4 years.
- Monitoring antibiotic resistance, particularly beta-lactamase production, is essential for effective treatment strategies.