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Antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Finland, 1987-1990
A Nissinen1, M Leinonen, P Huovinen
1Antimicrobial Research Laboratory, National Public Health Institute, Turku, Oulu.
Abstract:
A nationwide survey of the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from the middle ear fluid of children with acute otitis media (639 strains) and from throat-swab samples of healthy children (149 strains) was conducted in Finland during 1987-1990. The MICs of penicillin, cephalothin, cefaclor, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and co-trimoxazole were determined by the agar dilution method. Low-level resistance to penicillin (MIC, 0.1-1 microgram/mL) was found in 1.7% of the otitis-related and 1.3% of the healthy-carrier strains. No highly penicillin-resistant strains (MIC, > or = 2 micrograms/mL) were found. Six multiresistant strains were detected, three of them possibly belonging to a previously identified clone present in Finland since 1985. Eighty-five percent of the resistant otitis-related strains, including 9 of the 11 moderately penicillin-resistant strains (4 of which were multiresistant), belonged to the three most common serogroups (6, 19, and 23).
Insights
Antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae was studied in Finnish children. Low-level penicillin resistance was found, with no highly resistant strains, but six multiresistant strains were detected.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of acute otitis media in children.
- Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat.
- Understanding resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children in Finland.
- To assess resistance patterns in strains causing acute otitis media versus those from healthy carriers.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide survey was conducted in Finland from 1987-1990.
- Isolates were obtained from middle ear fluid of children with acute otitis media (639 strains) and throat swabs from healthy children (149 strains).
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing used the agar dilution method for penicillin, cephalothin, cefaclor, erythromycin, trimethoprim, and co-trimoxazole.
Main Results:
- Low-level penicillin resistance (MIC, 0.1-1 µg/mL) was observed in 1.7% of otitis-related strains and 1.3% of healthy-carrier strains.
- No highly penicillin-resistant strains (MIC, ≥2 µg/mL) were detected.
- Six multiresistant strains were identified, with three potentially linked to a known Finnish clone.
Conclusions:
- While high-level penicillin resistance was absent, low-level resistance and multiresistance warrant monitoring.
- The majority of resistant otitis-related strains belonged to common serogroups (6, 19, and 23).
- These findings highlight the importance of ongoing surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in pediatric pathogens.