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An update on invasive pneumococcal antibiotic resistance in Turkey, 2008

H Erdem1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Gulhane Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. hakanerdem1969@yahoo.com

Journal of Chemotherapy (Florence, Italy)
|January 9, 2009
PubMed

Insights

In 2008, Turkey observed significant pneumococcal antibiotic resistance, with penicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance exceeding 35%. Fortunately, resistance to newer antibiotics like moxifloxacin remained very low.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a significant global health threat.
  • Understanding local resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document the cumulative antibiotic resistance profiles of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Turkey in 2008.
  • To provide baseline data for monitoring antimicrobial resistance trends.

Main Methods:

  • Data were compiled from various local studies conducted in Turkey.
  • Antibiotic resistance percentages for key antimicrobial agents were aggregated.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin resistance was 35%, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistance was 39%.
  • Resistance to macrolides (erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin) ranged from 10% to 18%.
  • Resistance to fluoroquinolones (ofloxacin, levofloxacin) was 13% and 2%, respectively, with no resistance to moxifloxacin, gemiloxacin, or telithromycin.
  • Vancomycin resistance was 0%.

Conclusions:

  • In 2008, Turkey exhibited considerable resistance to older antibiotics like penicillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
  • Emerging resistance to macrolides was noted, while newer fluoroquinolones and vancomycin remained highly effective against pneumococcal isolates.

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