title: Explanations and therapies for penicillin failure in streptococcal pharyngitis.
abstract: A disturbing trend toward penicillin failure has developed in the treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis in some parts of the United States and abroad. A variety of explanations has been proposed to account for these penicillin-treatment failures. With the resurgence of serious complications from streptococcal infection, successful bacteriologic eradication has regained importance. In communities with a high incidence of penicillin failures, alternative antimicrobials should be considered. Cephalosporins, amoxicillin/clavulanate, and the extended-spectrum macrolides represent logical options under such clinical circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Pichichero
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010406:Penicillins