Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae Macrolide Resistance and Its Mechanism in Northeast China over a 20-Year Period
Xiuzhen Zhou, Jianhua Liu, Zhijie Zhang, Bing Cui, Yanling Wang, Yue Zhang, Hailin Xu, Guixue Cheng, Yong Liu, Xiaosong Qin
Abstract
This study presents a retrospective analysis using 1,240 clinical erythromycin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (ERSP) isolates collected in northeastern China between January 2000 and December 2019. The serotype distribution, corresponding vaccine coverage, as well as resistance phenotypes, genes, and mechanisms to macrolide and tetracycline of these isolates were systematically described, analyzed, and discussed. We hope that this study will inform clinicians in their respective regions when selecting antimicrobial agents. We also hope that this study is useful for researchers in related fields. Finally, we emphasize in this study that vaccination is the best preventive measure for S. pneumoniae infection considering its resistance to commonly used antibiotics. The determination of the S. pneumoniae serotype distribution also provides valuable empirical evidence for local health authorities when introducing appropriate vaccines in a specific area.