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Updated: Jan 18, 2026
Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
Published on: September 25, 2014
Antibiogram profiles and genetic characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae clinical isolates from Pakistan
Maria Rukan1, Muhammad Ali Syed1, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan1
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan.
Background:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major respiratory pathogen responsible for severe infections worldwide, with rising antibiotic resistance posing a significant clinical challenge.
Objectives:
This study aimed to assess the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. pneumoniae isolates collected from clinical respiratory samples in different cities of Pakistan between 2022 and 2024.
Methods:
Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using the disc diffusion method and PCR was employed to detect resistance genes and PCV10/13 serotypes.
Results:
High resistance rates were observed against ofloxacin (68.8%), oxacillin (66.9%) and amoxicillin (66.0%), while the lowest resistance was noted to doxycycline (8.4%), cefotaxime (7.5%) and ceftriaxone (3.7%). Genotypic analysis revealed that 68.8% of isolates were positive for the ermB gene, 55.6% for cats and 50.9% for tetM. Additionally, 18.8% of isolates carried the mefA gene and 9.4% exhibited resistance potentially linked to the pbp2b gene. Serotype analysis showed that 66% of isolates belonged to PCV10/13 vaccine-type serotypes, with serotype 19A being the most prevalent (18.9%), followed by 19F (13.2%) and 14 (9.4%).
Conclusion:
These findings underscore the growing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae in Pakistan and highlight the urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship, improved surveillance systems and preventive measures to address the rising threat of resistant strains and shifting serotype distribution.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern in Pakistan. This study found high resistance rates and a significant proportion of vaccine-type serotypes, emphasizing the need for better control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a primary cause of severe respiratory infections globally.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance in S. pneumoniae presents a critical clinical challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the phenotypic and genotypic features of S. pneumoniae isolates from Pakistan.
- To assess antibiotic resistance patterns and serotype distribution in clinical respiratory samples.
Main Methods:
- Disc diffusion method for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for detecting resistance genes and Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) 10/13 serotypes.
Main Results:
- High resistance observed against ofloxacin (68.8%), oxacillin (66.9%), and amoxicillin (66.0%).
- Prevalent resistance genes include ermB (68.8%), cats (55.6%), and tetM (50.9%).
- 66% of isolates were vaccine-type serotypes, with 19A being most common (18.9%).
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae in Pakistan.
- Urgent need for enhanced antimicrobial stewardship, surveillance, and preventive measures.
- Shifting serotype distribution necessitates updated vaccination strategies and monitoring.
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