Emergence of resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae: a problem in pediatrics

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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

G H McCracken1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|May 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global issue, particularly affecting acute otitis media and meningitis. New treatments and vaccines are crucial to combat resistant pneumococcal strains.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant worldwide health concern.
  • Resistant strains exhibit cross-resistance to multiple antibiotics, complicating treatment options.
  • Crowded environments and previous antibiotic use are key factors in the spread of resistant pneumococci.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the challenges posed by penicillin- and cephalosporin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • To discuss treatment difficulties for conditions like acute otitis media and meningitis caused by these resistant strains.
  • To emphasize the need for novel strategies to control antibiotic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance patterns.
  • Analysis of predisposing factors for colonization and disease.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic challenges and potential treatment agents.

Main Results:

  • Beta-lactam-resistant pneumococci often show resistance to other common antibiotics but remain susceptible to vancomycin and imipenem.
  • Inadequate beta-lactam concentrations in cerebrospinal and middle ear fluid hinder eradication of resistant strains.
  • Acute otitis media and meningitis are particularly difficult to treat with current standard therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Effective treatment of infections caused by resistant pneumococci may require unconventional agents like ceftriaxone, clindamycin, vancomycin, or rifampin.
  • Reducing antibiotic selective pressure and developing effective pneumococcal vaccines are essential for global control.
  • Innovative approaches are needed to address the increasing threat of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.

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