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Phenotypes and genotypes of macrolide-resistant streptococcus pneumoniae

Leyla Sirekbasan1, Nevriye Gönüllü1, Serhat Sirekbasan1

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul University, İstanbul, Turkey.

Balkan Medical Journal
|March 12, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern. This study found that the erm(B) and mef(A) resistance genes are spreading clonally among strains in Turkey.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms and strain relatedness is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of macrolide-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • To analyze the genetic basis (erm(B) and mef(A) genes) and clonal dissemination of these resistant strains.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted on 80 non-duplicate Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the presence of erm(B) and mef(A) genes.
  • BOX-PCR was employed to assess the genetic relatedness and clonal structure of resistant isolates.

Main Results:

  • Macrolide resistance was identified in 22.5% of the S. pneumoniae strains.
  • The erm(B) gene was found in 44.4%, mef(A) in 11.2%, and both genes in 44.4% of resistant isolates.
  • BOX-PCR revealed seven distinct clones among the resistant strains, with eight isolates carrying both resistance genes belonging to a single clone.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the presence and clonal spread of macrolide resistance genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae in Turkey.
  • The findings underscore the importance of molecular surveillance to track the dissemination of antibiotic resistance.
Keywords:
BOX-PCRMacrolide resistanceStreptococcus pneumoniaeerm (B)mef (A)

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