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[The incidence of Streptococcus pneumonia strains with resistance to penicillin]
Insights
Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were identified in infants, primarily causing otitis media. This study highlights the emerging challenge of antibiotic resistance in pediatric bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Context:
- The study investigated the incidence of antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in infants under one year of age.
- Data was collected between late 1986 and mid-1988, analyzing 580 S. pneumoniae isolates.
Purpose:
- To report the occurrence and characteristics of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in a pediatric population.
- To assess the susceptibility patterns of these resistant strains to various antibacterial agents.
Summary:
- Ten strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin and other antibiotics were found in children under one year old.
- Otitis media was the most common diagnosis (8 cases), with one instance involving sepsis and positive blood culture.
- The overall prevalence of penicillin-resistant strains was 1.72%, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 mg/l to over 16 mg/l.
- Resistant strains showed cross-resistance to ampicillin, oxacillin, cephalothin, and tetracycline. One strain was also resistant to erythromycin and lincomycin, and another to cotrimoxazole (MIC 64 mg/ml).
Impact:
- This research underscores the early emergence of multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in vulnerable pediatric populations.
- Findings emphasize the need for ongoing surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns in common pediatric pathogens.
- The study informs clinical practice regarding appropriate antibiotic selection for infant infections, particularly otitis media.
Abstract:
In the submitted paper the authors give an account of the incidence of 10 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin and other antibacterial substances in children under one year. In the majority otitis media was involved (8 x), in one instance with septic manifestations and detection of pneumococci also from the haemoculture. From a total number of 580 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from the end of 1986 to the first half of 1988 the ratio of penicillin resistant strains was 1.72%. The values of penicillin resistance varied within the range of MIC from 1 mg/l to more than 16 mg/l. The strains were also resistant to ampicillin, oxacillin, cephalotine and tetracycline. One strain was moreover resistant also to erythromycin and lincomycin. There was also one strain resistant to cotrimoxazole with a MIC of 64 mg/ml.