Penicillin-resistant and -intermediate Streptococcus pneumoniae in Saudi Arabia

The antibiotic susceptibility was analyzed of approximately 400 consecutive isolates of S. pneumoniae isolated from different regions of Saudi Arabia. Most of these isolates were from respiratory (sputum, otitis, 53.8%), bloo d/CSF (26.3%) and ophthalmic (20%) specimens. Overall 6.2% of the isolates were penicillin-resistant (MICs greater than or equal to 2 mu g/ml) and 51. 2% were -intermediate (MICs 0.1-1 mu g/ml). The resistance rates to cefurox ime, clarithromycin and ceftriaxone were 14.9%, 14.8% and 4.5% respectively . Only 3.5% of S. pneumoniae showed resistance to amoxycillin/clavulanic ac id. The MICs of all tested antibiotics increased as did the penicillin MICs . penicillin resistance was significantly associated with resistance to cef uroxime (p<0.001) but not with the others. These data indicate the presence of penicillin and multiple-resistant pneumococci in Saudi Arabia and that these strains can spread among individuals. A greater awareness with extend ed indications for microbiological diagnosis, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and restrictive prescription of antibiotics are needed.