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Updated: Aug 25, 2025

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
Epidemiological characteristics and antibiotic resistance mechanisms of Streptococcus pneumoniae: An updated review
Lifeng Li1, Jiayue Ma2, Zengyuan Yu3
1Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children's Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China; Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae, pneumococcus) is a Gram-positive bacterium, which can cause a variety of diseases including otitis media, nasosinusitis, pneumonia, bacteremia and meningitis. To prevent and control pneumococcus diseases, pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) were developed and widely implemented worldwide. The introduction of PCVs reduced the infections caused by PCV serotypes, while serotype replacements affected vaccine effectiveness. S. pneumoniae has developed resistance to multiple antibiotics including penicillin, macrolides, fluoroquinolone, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. In turn, infections caused by antibiotic resistant strains can affect the treatment of related diseases. Genetic functional studies, molecular detection, and molecular characterization of newly identified mechanisms have been updated in recent years. Hence, this review aims to summarize the serotype distribution, epidemiology and antibiotic resistance mechanism of S. pneumoniae in the vaccine era. A greater understanding of the epidemiological features and antibiotic resistance mechanisms could ultimately assist clinical treatment and prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance strains.
Insights
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have reduced infections but led to serotype replacement. Streptococcus pneumoniae also shows increasing antibiotic resistance, complicating treatment and spread prevention.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) causes severe diseases like pneumonia and meningitis.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are crucial for disease control.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae is a growing global health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review S. pneumoniae serotype distribution and epidemiology in the PCV era.
- To summarize antibiotic resistance mechanisms of S. pneumoniae.
- To inform clinical treatment and control of resistant strains.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on S. pneumoniae.
- Analysis of serotype distribution and epidemiological trends.
- Examination of molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- PCVs have altered S. pneumoniae serotype prevalence, impacting vaccine effectiveness.
- S. pneumoniae exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics, including penicillin and macrolides.
- Emerging genetic and molecular mechanisms contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Understanding evolving serotype and resistance patterns is vital for effective pneumococcal disease management.
- Continued surveillance and research are necessary to combat antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae.
- This review aids in clinical decision-making and preventing the spread of resistant bacteria.
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