The Increasing Penicillin Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Central Israel from 1988 to 2002

Antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae is increasing worldwide, creating a major problem in treating pediatric infections. The aims of the present study were to study in depth current resistance rates to penicillin of S. pneumoniae in central Israel, with comparison to previous years. Overall resistance by disk diffusion increased steadily from 20.8% in 1988-1991 to 46. 0% in 2000-2002 (p=0.019). By E-test, comparison of minimal inhibitory concentrations between 1995-1996 and 2000-2002 showed a steady increase, with levels of ≥2 mcg/ml detected only since 2001. These patterns should be considered when starting empiric therapy.