Related Experiment Videos
Neisseria meningitidis with reduced sensitivity to penicillin: observations in 10 children
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1991
Abstract:
10/84 strains (11.9%) of Neisseria meningitidis isolated from blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid in children 1986-1987 had reduced sensitivity to benzylpenicillin (MICs 0.1-0.4 mg/l). Group C meningococci predominated among these strains. The clinical course was satisfactory in all cases regardless of the antibiotic treatment used, although the time to abatement of fever was prolonged compared to that of children infected with susceptible strains.
Insights
Reduced sensitivity to benzylpenicillin was observed in some Neisseria meningitidis strains from children. However, clinical outcomes remained satisfactory, despite a longer fever duration in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Neisseria meningitidis is a significant cause of bacterial meningitis in children.
- Antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis is a growing public health concern.
- Benzylpenicillin has historically been a primary treatment for meningococcal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of reduced benzylpenicillin sensitivity in Neisseria meningitidis strains isolated from children.
- To assess the clinical implications of reduced benzylpenicillin sensitivity in pediatric meningococcal infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of Neisseria meningitidis isolates from blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid.
- Determination of benzylpenicillin Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs).
- Comparison of clinical outcomes between children infected with susceptible and less susceptible strains.
Main Results:
- 11.9% (10/84) of Neisseria meningitidis strains exhibited reduced sensitivity to benzylpenicillin (MICs 0.1-0.4 mg/l).
- Group C meningococci were the predominant serogroup among resistant strains.
- All patients experienced satisfactory clinical courses, irrespective of antibiotic treatment.
- A prolonged duration of fever was noted in children infected with less susceptible strains compared to those with susceptible strains.
Conclusions:
- Reduced benzylpenicillin sensitivity in Neisseria meningitidis is present in pediatric populations.
- Despite reduced sensitivity, benzylpenicillin may still be clinically effective, though potentially with delayed fever resolution.
- Continued surveillance of antibiotic resistance in Neisseria meningitidis is crucial for guiding treatment strategies.