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Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae: a growing universal concern
Journal of the National Medical Association
|September 1, 1989
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance to penicillin has increased significantly since 1967. Continued surveillance and penicillin sensitivity testing of pneumococcal isolates are crucial.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
- Historically, pneumococci were uniformly sensitive to penicillin.
- Emergence of penicillin resistance in pneumococci was first noted in 1967.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the historical rise of penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- To highlight the increasing resistance of pneumococci to various antibiotics.
- To emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and sensitivity testing.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data on pneumococcal antibiotic sensitivity.
- Documentation of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for penicillin resistance.
- Reporting of resistance patterns for other antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae has escalated from intermediate (0.1-1.0 microgram/mL) to high levels (2-10 micrograms/mL).
- Resistance has been observed against multiple antibiotics including tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin.
- Increased resistance necessitates updated treatment strategies.
Conclusions:
- Continued surveillance of pneumococcal isolates is essential.
- Routine penicillin sensitivity testing for all pneumococcal isolates is recommended.
- Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae poses a significant public health challenge.