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[Serotypes and antibiotic sensitivity of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci) in the cologne area (1980-1982)]
Abstract:
The commercial availability of a 14-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine justifies repeated investigations of the prevalent pneumococcal serotypes to estimate the probable efficacy of vaccination for patients at high risk of pneumococcal infection. Immunoprophylaxis of infection with S. pneumoniae appears to gain importance since more and more isolates with reduced sensitivity to antibiotics including penicillin are reported. Our investigation of 324 pneumococcal strains, isolated between October 1980 and December 1982 from various clinical sources at the Institute of Hygiene, Cologne, showed that the distribution of predominant serotypes did not differ substantially from that of 1970 to 1972. This distribution resembled closely to those reported from other European countries. However, a lower percentage of the Cologne isolates belonged to the serotypes of the 14-valent vaccine. The potential coverage of the vaccine in our area would probably be in the range of about 60% or less. Determination of the antibiotic sensitivity of the isolates demonstrated resistances against tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and macrolides. Moreover, 1.7% of the strains were "relatively resistant" to penicillin G (MIC 0.125 to 0.25 mg/l). Some isolates were multiply resistant.
Insights
Pneumococcal serotype distribution in Cologne remained stable but showed limited coverage by the 14-valent vaccine. Antibiotic resistance, including to penicillin, was observed in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- The 14-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is commercially available, necessitating updated data on prevalent serotypes.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) highlights the importance of immunoprophylaxis.
- Previous serotype data from Cologne (1970-1972) provides a baseline for comparison.
Purpose:
- To investigate the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes in Cologne between 1980 and 1982.
- To estimate the potential efficacy of the 14-valent pneumococcal vaccine based on prevalent serotypes.
- To determine the antibiotic sensitivity profiles of isolated pneumococcal strains.
Summary:
- A study of 324 pneumococcal strains from Cologne (1980-1982) revealed serotype distribution similar to earlier findings and other European countries.
- However, a significant proportion of isolates belonged to serotypes not covered by the 14-valent vaccine, suggesting suboptimal coverage (around 60% or less).
- Antibiotic resistance was noted for tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and macrolides, with 1.7% of strains showing relative penicillin G resistance and some exhibiting multidrug resistance.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that the 14-valent pneumococcal vaccine may offer limited protection in the studied population due to serotype distribution.
- The study underscores the need for ongoing surveillance of pneumococcal serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns.
- Results inform vaccination strategies and highlight the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance in pneumococcal infections.