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Distribution of serotypes, genotypes, and resistance determinants among macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

Xiaoping Xu1, Lin Cai, Meng Xiao

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen 518035, People's Republic of China.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|January 13, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global concern. This study identified key resistance mechanisms and prevalent serotypes in invasive pediatric isolates from New South Wales, Australia.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant clinical challenge globally.
  • Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children necessitates understanding resistance patterns.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the phenotypes and genotypes of erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from invasive pediatric infections in New South Wales, Australia.
  • To characterize the antibiotic resistance genes, transposon profiles, and serotypes of these resistant isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 328 invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children in New South Wales, Australia (2005).
  • Phenotypic characterization included serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
  • Genotypic analysis involved multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and profiling of antibiotic resistance genes and transposons.

Main Results:

  • Of 328 isolates, 102 (31%) were resistant to erythromycin. Serotypes 19F, 14, and 6B were most common (84%).
  • 73% of resistant isolates exhibited the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B (MLS(B)) phenotype, primarily carrying erm(B) and Tn916 transposons.
  • 27% displayed the M phenotype, predominantly carrying mef(A) on Tn1207.1, often associated with serotype 14. Two main clonal clusters (CC-271 and CC-15) were identified.

Conclusions:

  • Erythromycin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae in New South Wales is driven by multidrug-resistant strains and horizontal gene transfer of Tn916 family transposons.
  • Understanding these resistance mechanisms and clonal dissemination is crucial for effective treatment and control strategies.

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