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The emergence of resistant pneumococcus as a pathogen in childhood upper respiratory tract infections

S L Kaplan1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Seminars in Respiratory Infections
|March 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing concern in pediatric respiratory infections. While not yet a major clinical dilemma, evolving resistance patterns necessitate future modifications in antibiotic therapy for children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pediatric infections like otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
  • Penicillin resistance in pneumococcus is an increasing public health concern.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the definition, incidence, and mechanisms of penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • To inform pediatricians about the implications of antibiotic resistance in common childhood infections.
  • To highlight the potential need for altered empiric antibiotic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review on Streptococcus pneumoniae resistance.
  • Analysis of current clinical impact on pediatric respiratory infections.
  • Discussion of future therapeutic considerations.

Main Results:

  • Penicillin-resistant pneumococcus is prevalent in pediatric acute otitis media and sinusitis.
  • Currently, resistance does not significantly alter empiric antibiotic therapy for most pediatric respiratory infections.
  • The prevalence of resistant strains is increasing, particularly in recurrent infections.

Conclusions:

  • Physicians must stay informed about penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • The growing incidence of resistant isolates may necessitate changes in empiric antibiotic treatment for pediatric respiratory infections.
  • Proactive management strategies are needed to address evolving antimicrobial resistance patterns.

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