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Emergence of antimicrobial resistance in community-acquired pulmonary pathogens
1Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, USA.
Abstract:
Antibiotic resistance to the common respiratory tract pathogens is increasing worldwide. Penicillin-resistant pneumococci are of particular concern. Most strains of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae have intermediate resistance to penicillin, and highly resistant strains are rare at present. Careful selection of antibiotics with low resistance potential and excellent activity against highly penicillin-resistant pneumococci (ie, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, cefprozil, doxycycline, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and meropenem) is the best current strategy to delay or increase the emergence of highly penicillin-resistant strains of S pneumoniae.
Insights
Antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global concern. Selecting specific antibiotics is crucial to combat resistance and preserve treatment effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Increasing global antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat to public health.
- Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) strains are a particular concern for respiratory tract infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the growing issue of antibiotic resistance in common respiratory pathogens.
- To identify effective antibiotic strategies against penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on antibiotic resistance patterns.
- Analysis of antibiotic efficacy against highly penicillin-resistant pneumococci.
Main Results:
- Most penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae strains exhibit intermediate resistance; highly resistant strains are currently rare.
- Several antibiotics demonstrate excellent activity against highly penicillin-resistant pneumococci.
Conclusions:
- Judicious antibiotic selection is essential to delay the emergence of highly resistant strains.
- Recommended antibiotics include cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, cefepime, cefprozil, doxycycline, levofloxacin, sparfloxacin, and meropenem.