EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANCE IN HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE

During the last 10 years, a continuous increase in the incidence of be ta-lactamase-producing Haemophilus influenzae has been observed; in ad dition, beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant strains are bette r identified and more frequently isolated, During the same period, res istance to tetracyclines and chloramphenicol decreased to a very low l evel, The incidence of resistant bacteria is highly variable according to the site of infection, patient's age, type of Haemophilus, and cou ntry or region, according to local epidemiological factors, Follow-up multicenter studies are needed to monitor the evolution of resistance to these antibiotics and also emergence and spread of resistance to ot her antibiotics, such as new fluoroquinolones, new beta-lactams, and n ew macrolides.