EPIDEMIOLOGY OF RESISTANT STRAINS OF STREPTOCOCCUS-PNEUMONIAE IN FRANCE

Constant progression: In France, pneumococci with decrease susceptibil ity to penicillin G (PDSP) have progressed from 0% in 1984 to 51% in 1 996. These strains are generally resistant to other antibiotic familie s. Geographical variability: The pattern of pneumococcal resistance to antibiotics shows a very heterogenous distribution both within a give n country and worldwide. The prevalence of PDSP is higher in certain E uropean countries. Depending on the antibiotic: While all families of antibiotics are concerned, some are more involved than others. Indeed certain compounds such as amoxycillin and cefotaxime retain good activ ity levels.