Penicillin resistance in laboratory isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, in Western Australia, 1990-1994

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V A McLaughlin1, T V Riley, C L Roberts

  • 1Communicable Diseases Control Program, Health Department of Western Australia, Perth.

European Journal of Epidemiology
|October 30, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae increased significantly in Western Australia between 1990-1994. This trend highlights the need for ongoing surveillance of penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP).

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases Epidemiology

Background:

  • Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae is a growing global health concern.
  • Surveillance data on penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) in Western Australia (WA) during the early 1990s is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the frequency and characteristics of penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) clinical isolates in Western Australia from 1990 to 1994.
  • To identify demographic factors associated with PRP in this region.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective survey of 11 laboratories in Western Australia.
  • Analysis of clinical isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae resistant to penicillin based on oxacillin disc screening.
  • Data collected included susceptibility to penicillin, specimen type, isolation date, and patient demographics (age, sex, ethnicity).

Main Results:

  • Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae increased from 1.3% to 9.0% over the five-year study period (1990-1994).
  • Penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP) were infrequently invasive.
  • Highest incidence rates were observed in children under 5 years (19.4 per 100,000) and adults aged 60 and over (5.1 per 100,000).
  • Aboriginal ethnicity was significantly associated with penicillin resistance.

Conclusions:

  • A notable increase in penicillin resistance among Streptococcus pneumoniae was observed in Western Australia between 1990 and 1994.
  • The findings underscore the critical need for robust surveillance systems to monitor the emergence and spread of penicillin-resistant pneumococci (PRP).
  • Targeted public health interventions may be necessary for high-risk populations, including young children, the elderly, and Aboriginal individuals.

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