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[Pneumococci resistant to penicillin]
Abstract:
Between January of 1983 and December 1984, 11 strains of pneumococci resistant to penicillin were isolated, from a total of 46 strains studied with clinical signification, thus accounting for 23.9%. In nine cases (19.5%) pneumococci showed partial resistance to penicillin and in two strains (4.3%) resistance was total. Pneumococcal disease in our 11 patients was demonstrated by blood culture in 7 cases and by culture of the CSF, in 4. Diagnosis of the patients were as follows: 4 sepsis in immunosuppressed host, 2 bacteremia without an evident focus, 1 pneumonia, 3 meningitis and 1 ventriculitis. Vancomycin and rifampin are the most active in this cases. Some of the new cephalosporins of the third generation (cefotaxime and ceftriaxone) and cefuroxime have a good activity in vitro and a good passage to the CSF.
Insights
Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were identified in 23.9% of cases studied. Vancomycin and rifampin showed high activity against these resistant pneumococci.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Context:
- Between January 1983 and December 1984, a study investigated pneumococcal isolates.
- Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae was a significant clinical concern during this period.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of penicillin-resistant pneumococci.
- To evaluate the in vitro activity of various antibiotics against resistant strains.
Summary:
- Out of 46 studied strains, 11 (23.9%) exhibited penicillin resistance, with 4.3% showing total resistance.
- Pneumococcal disease was confirmed via blood cultures (7 cases) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cultures (4 cases).
- Diagnoses included sepsis, bacteremia, pneumonia, meningitis, and ventriculitis, particularly in immunosuppressed patients.
Impact:
- Vancomycin and rifampin demonstrated the highest activity against the isolated resistant strains.
- Third-generation cephalosporins (cefotaxime, ceftriaxone) and cefuroxime showed good in vitro activity and CSF penetration, suggesting potential therapeutic options for meningitis and ventriculitis.