Survey of Drug-Resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in New York City (1993-1995)
Author Information
Author(s): Richard Heffernan, Kelly Henning, Anne Labowitz, Annette Hjelte, Marcelle Layton
Primary Institution: New York City Department of Health
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence of drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in New York City?
Conclusion
The survey found that penicillin resistance among S. pneumoniae isolates increased significantly from 1993 to 1995.
Supporting Evidence
- Penicillin resistance increased from 1.5% in 1993 to 6.3% in 1995.
- One-third of penicillin-nonsusceptible isolates were also nonsusceptible to extended-spectrum cephalosporins.
- The proportion of laboratories conforming to NCCLS guidelines increased from 22% in 1993 to 69% in 1995.
- Overall, more than 5,000 S. pneumoniae isolates were reported annually.
Takeaway
This study looked at how many germs in New York City don't get killed by penicillin anymore, and it found that more and more of them are becoming resistant.
Methodology
A survey was conducted among hospital-based clinical microbiology laboratories to collect data on S. pneumoniae isolates and their susceptibility to penicillin.
Potential Biases
Differences in laboratory practices and the increasing number of laboratories participating may introduce bias in the results.
Limitations
Variability in laboratory expertise and methods may affect the accuracy of resistance estimates, and the survey design did not confirm laboratory results.
Participant Demographics
Laboratories from New York City, with no individual patient data collected.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p = 0.03
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