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Respiratory superinfections after the use of third-generation cephem antibiotics
Abstract:
This paper is a report on our studies on superinfections in respiratory tract infections treated during the years 1981-1984. The isolated strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus faecium and glucose non-fermentative gram-negative rods such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa were resistant to third-generation cephem antibiotics. These organisms proved to be widely distributed in hospitals and were frequently isolated from the sputum, excised lung and cardiac blood. The colonization of the sputum by bacteria in respiratory tract infections before, during and after treatment with third-generation cephem antibiotics revealed a tendency for these organisms to appear after treatment. Among the gram-positive cocci, S. faecium was most resistant to these antibiotics, followed by S. faecalis, S. epidermidis and S. aureus in that order. The incidence of resistant isolates in 1984 exceeded that in 1983, suggesting an annual increase in resistant bacteria.
Insights
Superinfections from resistant bacteria like Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are a growing concern in respiratory tract infections. These resistant strains, particularly Streptococcus faecium, tend to emerge after treatment with third-generation cephem antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Superinfections complicate respiratory tract infections.
- Third-generation cephem antibiotics are commonly used for treatment.
- Antibiotic resistance in hospital-acquired pathogens is a significant clinical issue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and resistance patterns of bacterial superinfections in respiratory tract infections treated with third-generation cephem antibiotics between 1981 and 1984.
- To identify specific bacterial strains associated with superinfections and their resistance profiles.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of bacterial isolates from patients with respiratory tract infections.
- Identification of bacterial species and antibiotic susceptibility testing against third-generation cephem antibiotics.
- Monitoring of bacterial colonization in sputum before, during, and after antibiotic treatment.
Main Results:
- Resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus faecium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were frequently isolated.
- These resistant organisms were prevalent in hospital environments and found in sputum, lung tissue, and blood.
- A notable increase in resistant bacterial isolates was observed annually from 1983 to 1984.
- Streptococcus faecium exhibited the highest resistance among gram-positive cocci, followed by S. faecalis, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus.
Conclusions:
- Third-generation cephem antibiotics are associated with the emergence of resistant bacterial superinfections in respiratory tract infections.
- There is an increasing trend of antibiotic resistance in common hospital-acquired pathogens.
- Effective strategies are needed to combat the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant superinfections.