Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated in the Balcali Hospital in Adana, Turkey

Purpose: There is a continuing increase in resistance to penicillin which is commonly used in treatment of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. This study was carried out in order to determine the rate of resistance to penicillin in S. pneumoniae isoleted in our hospital. Methods: Colonies on blood agar which resembled pneumonoccoccal colonies were tested with optochin disks. Identification of the bacteria was made using Sceptor system panels each of which contain 24 biochemical test including bile solubility and bile esculin as well as antibiotic susceptibility tests. Results: Between October 1993 and June 1995, 231 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains were isolated from various specimens from hospitalized patients and outpatients. Forty five (19%) of these strains were found to be resistant to penicillin (MIC > 1 µg/ml); 68 (29%), moderately resistant (MIC 0.1-1 µg/ml); and 118 (51%), susceptible (MIC < 0.06 µg/ml). The highest rates of penicillin resistance were detected in S.pneumoniae isolated from wound infections, spinal fluid, and blood (31%, 26%, 23%, respectively). There was no resistance to vancomycin. Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that S.pneumoniae infections should not be treated with penicillin or other antibiotics without confirmation of sensitivity with susceptibility tests