[In vitro susceptibility of streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated from lower respiratory infections in Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT)].
BACKGROUND
The rising antimicrobial resistance of streptococcus pneumoniae, requires permanent surveillance. Antimicrobial treatments of invasive infections must be modified accordingly.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of streptococcus pneumoniae strains isolated from lower respiratory infections.


METHODS
Seventy five strains isolated during three periods in consecutive years were studied. In vitro susceptibility towards penicillin, erythromycin and ceftriaxone was studied using E-test technique minimal inhibitory concentrations.


RESULTS
Five percent of strains were penicillin resistant and 11% had an intermediate sensitivity. Erythromycin resistance was observed in 1.3% of strains. Eight percent of strains had an intermediate sensitivity towards ceftriaxone and no resistance was observed. Comparing susceptibility in the three studied periods, it remained low and stable.


CONCLUSIONS
High and intermediate resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae towards penicillin is less prevalent than in other countries. A close surveillance must be maintained (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 304-8).
Soler
Tamara
T
Salamanca
Lucía
L
Arbo
Guillermo
G
Molina
Eliana
E
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000494:pharmacology; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000494:pharmacology; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D010406:Penicillins / Q000494:pharmacology; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000382:microbiology; D013296:Streptococcus pneumoniae / Q000187:drug effects*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002511:Cephalosporins; D010406:Penicillins; D004917:Erythromycin; D002443:Ceftriaxone
Estudio de sensibilidad in vitro de cepas de Streptococcus pneumoniae de infecciones respiratorias bajas en el Instituto Nacional del Tórax (INT).