Household Transmission of Multidrug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in Alberta, Canada
Author Information
Author(s): James D. Kellner, A. Patrick Gibb, Jenny Zhang, Harvey R. Rabin
Primary Institution: Foothills Medical Centre and Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hypothesis
Can multidrug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae be transmitted within households?
Conclusion
The study found that three married couples were infected with the same multidrug-resistant strain of S. pneumoniae, indicating possible household transmission.
Supporting Evidence
- All couples had identical antibiotic resistance profiles and serotypes.
- Couple A may have been exposed to MDRSP due to one partner's work in a hospital.
- Couple B had visitors from Texas with respiratory infections prior to their diagnosis.
- Couple C had recurrent respiratory infections and lived in a crowded environment.
Takeaway
This study shows that couples can get the same type of pneumonia from the same germs, even if they don't live with kids.
Methodology
Patients' health records were reviewed, and S. pneumoniae was identified using standard methods, including serotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to reliance on self-reported data from patients and limited follow-up.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and relied on patient records and contact for further information.
Participant Demographics
Three married couples, ages ranging from 37 to 72, with various chronic conditions and antibiotic histories.
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