Related Experiment Videos
Antibiotic susceptibility of pneumococci isolated in Austria over a four-year period
H Mittermayer1, C Jebelean, L Binder
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Elisabethinen Hospital, Linz, Austria.
Abstract:
The antibiotic susceptibility of pneumococci isolated from clinical specimens from 1991 through 1994 was investigated. Of 305 strains tested by the agar dilution method, 16 (5.2%) were resistant to penicillin (MICs > or = 0.12 mg/l). Of the resistant strains, 0.3% showed high-level resistance (MIC > or = 2 mg/l). The rate of resistance to erythromycin (MIC > or = 4 mg/l) was 2.3%, to tetracycline (MIC > or = 8 mg/l) 8.5%, to chloramphenicol (MIC > or = 8 mg/l) 1.0%, and to trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole (MIC > or = 3.2/64 mg/l) 3.3%. Penicillin-resistant strains showed significantly higher resistance to the other antibiotics tested. Resistance to penicillin was higher in isolates from the respiratory tract than in those from blood and cerebrospinal fluid (6.2% vs. 2.4%, respectively). There was no increase in penicillin resistance from 1991 through 1994 (5.3% vs. 4.9%, respectively).
Insights
Pneumococci antibiotic resistance was studied. Penicillin resistance was 5.2%, with higher rates for other antibiotics. Resistance remained stable from 1991-1994.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Pneumococci are a significant cause of bacterial infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in pneumococci poses a growing public health concern.
- Monitoring resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antibiotic susceptibility of pneumococci strains.
- To determine the prevalence of resistance to key antibiotics including penicillin, erythromycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
- To analyze resistance trends over a four-year period (1991-1994).
Main Methods:
- Agar dilution method was employed for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- 305 clinical isolates of pneumococci were analyzed.
- Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) were determined for various antibiotics.
Main Results:
- Overall penicillin resistance was 5.2%, with 0.3% exhibiting high-level resistance.
- Resistance rates were 2.3% for erythromycin, 8.5% for tetracycline, 1.0% for chloramphenicol, and 3.3% for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
- Penicillin-resistant strains showed increased resistance to other tested antibiotics. Penicillin resistance was higher in respiratory isolates (6.2%) compared to blood/CSF isolates (2.4%).
Conclusions:
- Penicillin resistance in pneumococci remained stable between 1991 and 1994.
- Co-resistance to other antibiotics is a significant concern among penicillin-resistant strains.
- Surveillance of antibiotic resistance patterns is essential for guiding clinical practice and public health interventions.