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Antimicrobial resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

B Khanal1, A Acharya, R Amatya

  • 1Department of Microbiology, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal. basudhak@gmail.com

JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association
|November 5, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Intermediate penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is common in eastern Nepal. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing is crucial for detecting this resistance, aiding effective treatment and monitoring antimicrobial susceptibility.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Pneumococcal infections pose a significant public health burden, contributing to morbidity and mortality.
  • Understanding antimicrobial susceptibility patterns is vital for guiding effective treatment strategies against pneumococcal infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of pneumococcal isolates.
  • To determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of penicillin in pneumococcal isolates.
  • To assess resistance trends in a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluation of 26 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains from clinical specimens.
  • Antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the disk diffusion method.
  • Determination of penicillin MIC via broth dilution method.

Main Results:

  • 73% of isolates were from invasive infections.
  • 5 isolates (17%) showed intermediate penicillin resistance (MIC 0.1-1.0 mg/L).
  • No high-level penicillin resistance or resistance via disk diffusion was observed; one isolate was multidrug-resistant.

Conclusions:

  • Intermediate penicillin resistance in pneumococcal isolates is prevalent in eastern Nepal.
  • MIC determination is essential for detecting intermediate resistance missed by routine testing.
  • Continuous monitoring of antimicrobial resistance is recommended for effective infection management.

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