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Association of penicillin-resistant pneumococci with residence in a pediatric chronic care facility

S B Mannheimer1, L W Riley, R B Roberts

  • 1Department of Medicine, New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.

The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|September 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) are a concern in hospitals. White race and pediatric chronic care facility residence were linked to PRP acquisition, highlighting potential reservoirs for transmission.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) pose a significant challenge in healthcare settings.
  • Understanding risk factors for PRP acquisition is crucial for infection control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors associated with the acquisition of penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) at a New York City university hospital.
  • To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of PRP in a pediatric chronic care facility.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing patients with PRP and penicillin-sensitive pneumococcal infections.
  • Analysis of demographic data, including race and residence.
  • Microbiological investigation of isolates for antibiotic resistance patterns and serotyping.

Main Results:

  • In 1994, 21% of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections were caused by PRP.
  • White race and residence in a pediatric chronic care facility were significantly associated with penicillin resistance.
  • 33% of children in one chronic care facility were colonized with PRP, with many isolates also resistant to ceftriaxone.
  • Prior antibiotic use, particularly beta-lactams, correlated with penicillin resistance.
  • All typeable PRP isolates belonged to multidrug-resistant serotype 23.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric residents in chronic care facilities may represent a significant reservoir for PRP.
  • These facilities could be a source of PRP transmission to acute care hospitals.
  • Targeted infection control strategies in chronic care settings are warranted to mitigate PRP spread.

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