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Trends in antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Japan

R Yoshida1, M Kaku, S Kohno

  • 1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nagasaki University School of Medicine, Japan.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains, particularly serotype 19B, were identified in Nagasaki. These resistant bacteria showed reduced susceptibility to various antibiotics, with vancomycin, cefpirome, and imipenem remaining most effective.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of bacterial infections.
  • Antimicrobial resistance in S. pneumoniae poses a growing public health threat.
  • Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
  • To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of S. pneumoniae in the Nagasaki area.
  • To identify specific serotypes associated with penicillin resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of 184 S. pneumoniae isolates from patient sputum over five years.
  • Determination of penicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
  • Evaluation of susceptibility to various antimicrobial agents, including vancomycin, cefpirome, and imipenem.

Main Results:

  • 30 out of 184 S. pneumoniae isolates exhibited penicillin resistance (MIC > or = 0.10 µg/ml).
  • Thirteen penicillin-resistant strains belonged to serotype 19B.
  • These resistant strains demonstrated decreased susceptibility to other tested antimicrobial agents.

Conclusions:

  • Penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae, notably serotype 19B, is present in the Nagasaki region.
  • Emerging resistance impacts treatment options, necessitating careful antibiotic selection.
  • Vancomycin, cefpirome, and imipenem show promising activity against these resistant strains.

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