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Pneumococcal resistance in southwest Virginia
T G Evans1, A Kamara, K Minnick
1Veterans Affairs Medical Center, University of Virginia, Salem 24153, USA.
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy
|April 1, 1995
Summary
A study of 100 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in Virginia found 16% penicillin resistance. Most isolates remained susceptible to common antibiotics like cefotaxime and vancomycin, indicating continued treatment options.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of bacterial infections.
- Understanding local resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment.
- Hospital-based surveillance provides valuable data on antimicrobial susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in southwest Virginia.
- To assess the susceptibility of these isolates to commonly used antibiotics.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 100 consecutive, hospital-based Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, primarily from adult patients.
- Oxacillin disk screening was used to identify resistant isolates.
- E-strip testing was performed to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for various antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Sixteen percent of isolates exhibited penicillin resistance, with 10% showing high-level resistance.
- High susceptibility rates were observed for cefotaxime (92%), ceftriaxone (95%), ceftizoxime (85%), erythromycin (87%), ofloxacin (80%), and vancomycin (98%).
- Oxacillin disk screening effectively identified all resistant isolates.
Conclusions:
- While penicillin resistance is present in Streptococcus pneumoniae in southwest Virginia, a high degree of susceptibility to third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and vancomycin was noted.
- These findings support the continued use of these agents for treating pneumococcal infections in this region, pending further surveillance.