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Bacteremic infections due to clindamycin-resistant streptococci
JAMA
|July 19, 1976
Summary
Group A streptococci infections resistant to clindamycin were observed in four patients. Antibiotic susceptibility testing is crucial for serious streptococcal infections, especially when considering non-penicillin therapies.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Group A streptococci (GAS) are a significant cause of bacterial infections.
- Penicillin remains the primary antibiotic for treating GAS infections.
- Emerging resistance patterns necessitate ongoing surveillance.
Observation:
- Four patients presented with bacteremic infections caused by GAS.
- The identified GAS strains exhibited high resistance to clindamycin.
- These strains showed only moderate susceptibility to erythromycin.
Findings:
- Two infections occurred despite patients receiving clindamycin therapy.
- The GAS isolates were non-beta-hemolytic and not M or T typable.
- This suggests a potential novel resistance mechanism.
Implications:
- Urgent need for serological grouping of all clinically significant streptococci.
- Routine antibiotic susceptibility testing is recommended for GAS isolates.
- Consideration of alternative antibiotics beyond penicillin is critical for effective treatment.