Beta-lactamase production in the upper respiratory tract flora in relation to antibiotic consumption: a study in children attending day nurseries.
The occurrence of beta-lactamase production in Haemophilus influenzae, Branhamella catarrhalis and Moraxella nonliquefaciens was compared in 191 healthy children attending day nurseries in 2 municipalities differing with regard to the prescription rate of beta-lactam antibiotics. A significantly higher frequency of beta-lactamase production was recorded in M. nonliquefaciens isolated in the municipality with the higher prescription rate. A corresponding difference was not recorded for H. influenzae or B. catarrhalis. Approximately 75% of the nasopharyngeal pathogens H. influenzae, B. catarrhalis and Streptococcus pneumoniae, as well as the commensal M. nonliquefaciens, were eliminated and often replaced by other strains of either species over a period of one month. Although none of the children were on antibiotics a substantial proportion of the acquired strains produced beta-lactamase. This suggested that the carrier rate of beta-lactamase producing strains of the respiratory tract is not only related to the effect of recent antibiotic treatment but also to the prevalence of such strains in the population.
Mölstad
S
S
Community Health Center, Höör, Sweden.
Eliasson
I
I
Hovelius
B
B
Kamme
C
C
Schalén
C
C
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002656:Child Day Care Centers; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009016:Moraxella / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000382:microbiology*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012423:Rural Health; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000201:enzymology / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013548:Sweden; D014504:Urban Health; D001618:beta-Lactamases / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001618:beta-Lactamases