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Updated: May 12, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
Published on: September 25, 2014
[Antimicrobial resistance and serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from multi-centers across
Qi Wang1, Fei-fei Zhang, Chun-jiang Zhao
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China.
Objective:
To investigate the trends of resistance of S. pneumoniae and to evaluate the potential coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Methods:
The antibiotic susceptibility and serotype distribution of 471 pneumococcal strains isolated from pneumococcal diseases in 13 hospitals across China during 2010 to 2011 were studied. In vitro susceptibility to 15 antimicrobial agents was determined by agar dilution method. Serotyping of S. pneumoniae was performed by using latex and quelling reaction. Vaccine coverage by 7-, 10-, 13- and 23- valent conjugate vaccines was estimated by calculating the percentage of isolates that belonged to the serotypes included in the vaccines.
Results:
Among all strains tested, 50.1% (236/471) was resistant to penicillin (Oral breakpoint, MIC ≥ 2 mg/L). Overall, 27.4% (129/471), 60.3% (284/471), 58.8% (277/471) and 18.5% (87/471) of S. pneumoniae were resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanate, cefaclor, cefuroxime and ceftriaxone, respectively.1.5% (7/471) of all stains were resistant to levofloxacin and 0.6% (3/471) of all strains were resistant to moxifloxacin. The resistance rates to other antibiotic agents, such as erythromycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and chloramphenicol, were 93.2% (439/471), 88.7% (417/471), 89.6% (422/471), 62.8% (296/471) and 22.1% (104/471), respectively. The most prevalent serotype was 19F (112, 23.8%), followed by 19A (63, 13.4%), 3 (48, 10.2%), 14 (43, 9.1%), 23F (29, 6.2%), 15 (25, 5.3%) and 6A (23, 4.9%). The potential coverage by 7- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines was 45.3% (213/471) and 76% (358/471), respectively. The potential coverage of PCV7 and PCV13 in children were 59.0% (72/122) and 86.9% (106/122), and the potential coverage of PCV7 and PCV13 in adult were 42.3% (94/222) and 73.4% (163/222).
Conclusions:
The antibiotic resistance of S. pneumoniae was serious in China, especially to tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin. The majority of serotypes 19A and 19F was penicillin-resistant. The potential coverage of PCV7 and PCV13 in children was higher than those in adult. PCV13 could cover most of the isolates, especially for penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae.
Insights
Streptococcus pneumoniae antibiotic resistance is a serious concern in China, particularly to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin. The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) shows significant potential to cover most resistant strains, especially in children.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Context:
- Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility is crucial for effective disease prevention and treatment strategies.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are vital tools for reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases.
Purpose:
- To investigate the trends of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in China.
- To evaluate the serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae isolates.
- To assess the potential coverage of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) against prevalent serotypes.
Summary:
- A study of 471 S. pneumoniae strains in China (2010-2011) revealed high resistance rates to tetracycline (89.6%), erythromycin (93.2%), and clindamycin (88.7%). Penicillin resistance was observed in 50.1% of isolates.
- Serotypes 19F and 19A were the most prevalent, with a majority of these being penicillin-resistant.
- The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) demonstrated a potential coverage of 76% for all isolates and higher coverage in children (86.9%) compared to adults (73.4%).
Impact:
- Findings highlight the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs to combat rising S. pneumoniae resistance in China.
- PCV13 emerges as a potentially effective tool for controlling infections caused by drug-resistant S. pneumoniae strains.
- The study provides valuable data for informing vaccination policies and guiding the selection of appropriate antibiotic therapies.
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