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Sources and susceptibilities of staphylococci isolated from children. A seven-year survey
Insights
Penicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus increased significantly from 1973-1979. However, most strains remained susceptible to other antibiotics, offering effective treatment options for staphylococcal infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Pharmacy
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bacterial infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in S. aureus is a growing public health concern.
- Understanding resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To monitor the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus strains over a seven-year period.
- To identify trends in penicillin resistance and resistance to other antibiotics.
- To assess potential differences in resistance between inpatient and outpatient strains.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a seven-year surveillance of S. aureus isolates from pediatric patients.
- Analyzed antibiotic susceptibility data for 5,479 S. aureus strains.
- Categorized isolates by patient type (inpatient/outpatient) and clinical source.
Main Results:
- Penicillin resistance in S. aureus increased from 76% to over 85% between 1973 and 1979.
- No significant difference in penicillin resistance was observed between inpatient and outpatient strains.
- Skin lesions were identified as a significant reservoir for penicillin-resistant S. aureus.
- High susceptibility rates were maintained for clindamycin, erythromycin, cephalothin, and nafcillin sodium.
- Multiple drug resistance was rare among the studied strains.
Conclusions:
- Penicillin resistance in S. aureus is a persistent issue, particularly associated with skin infections.
- Alternative antibiotics such as clindamycin, erythromycin, cephalothin, and nafcillin remain effective for treating S. aureus infections.
- These alternative agents are suitable for patients with penicillin allergies.
Abstract:
A seven-year surveillance was done of the antibiotic susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from patients seen in The Children's Hospital, Birmingham, Ala. There were no outbreaks of hospital-acquired staphylococcal infection during this time. Of 5,479 strains, 2,685 were from hospitalized children; 2,794 of 5,479 were from outpatients. The incidence of penicillin resistance increased from 76% to more than 85% between 1973 and 1979, with no significant difference noted between inpatient and outpatient strains. Penicillin resistance was similar, regardless of the clinical source (site of isolation) of staphylococci. Skin lesions, soft tissue, wounds, and abscess perennially accounted for the greatest proportion of isolates. Thus, skin lesions represent an important reservoir for penicillin-resistant staphylococci. Nearly all strains were susceptible to the other antibiotics tested; multiple resistance was rare. Susceptibility to clindamycin, erythromycin, cephalothin, sodium, and nafcillin sodium remained stable through the years. These agents provide effective therapeutic regimens for patients with staphylococcal infection, including those with penicillin allergy.