Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Antimicrobial Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: Prevalence, Mechanisms, and Clinical Implications
Regine Cherazard1, Marcia Epstein, Thien-Ly Doan
11Department of Medicine, Long Island Jewish Hospital Forest Hills, Northwell Health, Forest Hills, NY; 2Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, North Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY; and 3Department of Pharmacy, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY.
Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern, impacting treatment efficacy for common infections. This review details resistance trends and mechanisms, highlighting the need for new strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of serious infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae complicates treatment decisions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence, mechanisms, and clinical implications of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed for English-language citations.
- The search focused on antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae published before March 1, 2016.
Main Results:
- Decreased susceptibility to beta-lactams, with resistance linked to altered penicillin-binding proteins.
- Prevalence of macrolide and clindamycin resistance ranges from 20-40% and 22% respectively, often due to target site alteration.
- Increasing fluoroquinolone resistance occurs via mutations, efflux, or gene acquisition. Tetracycline and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) resistance, around 35% for TMP-SMX, is also increasing, primarily due to genomic mutations.
Conclusions:
- Effective treatment of resistant S. pneumoniae is a significant challenge.
- Promising strategies include novel antibiotics, updated drug formulations, combination therapies, non-antibiotic treatments, improved antibiotic stewardship, and enhanced prevention.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:31Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...