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[Penicillin insensitive and resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in children]

Insights

Penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections in children are emerging, with 18% of isolates showing resistance since 1986. This highlights the need for monitoring antimicrobial resistance in pediatric infections.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Context:

  • Pneumococcal infections pose a significant threat to children's health.
  • Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global concern.
  • Limited data exists on the prevalence of penicillin-insensitive pneumococcal strains in pediatric populations.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the occurrence and prevalence of penicillin-insensitive or resistant pneumococcal infections in children.
  • To screen historical pneumococcal isolates for resistance markers.
  • To determine the rate of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric pneumococcal isolates.

Summary:

  • Over a two-year period starting March 1986, five cases of penicillin-insensitive or resistant pneumococcal infections were identified in children.
  • One middle ear isolate exhibited a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 4 µg/ml for penicillin-G.
  • One cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isolate demonstrated penicillin insensitivity.
  • Screening of 59 viable pneumococcal strains from 1976-1987 using oxacillin discs identified five resistant strains (inhibitory zone < 20 mm).
  • The prevalence of penicillin-insensitive or resistant pneumococcus was found to be 18% since 1986.

Impact:

  • Findings indicate a significant prevalence (18%) of penicillin-insensitive or resistant pneumococcus in pediatric cases since 1986.
  • Highlights the urgent need for enhanced surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric pneumococcal infections.
  • Informs clinical decision-making regarding antibiotic selection for pneumococcal infections in children.

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