Finally, some good news about Streptococcus pneumoniae

NIPA releases a report showing it's on the decline

By Marcello Palmieri

Canada gets an 'A' for its fight against antibiotic resistance. At a press conference in mid-February, the National Information Program on Antibiotics (NIPA) reported that antibiotic resistance has levelled off in the last few years.

The Canadian Bacterial Surveillance Network compiled the data that showed the rate of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (PRSP) decreased from 15% in 2002 to 13.3% in 2003, less than half of what was reported in the US. Although this is welcomed news, we shouldn't jump with joy just yet. The data also shows that for high-level resistant microbials, the rates have remained stable.

S pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community-acquired infections.

Some examples include bronchitis, sinusitis, middle ear infections and pneumonia. It's the leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality in the world today.

"We're certainly heading in the right direction, " says Dr Donald Low, microbiologist-in-chief at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. "While the news might be good, we have to maintain our vigilance and make sure that we continue to use antibiotics appropriately. "

Rates of PRSP are significantly higher in other parts of the world. For example, some areas of South America have rates of about 30% while Hong Kong and South Africa are as high as 80%.

"Consumers have to be aware that antibiotic resistance is an issue for all Canadians -- not just for those who have taken a lot of antibiotics, " says Dr Franìois Boucher, paediatric infectious disease specialist at the Centre hospitalier universitaire de QuÄbec and NIPA chairman.

Created in 1996, NIPA consists of eight Canadian physician, pharmacist and patient organizations dedicated to raising awareness and promoting the proper use of antibiotics. To learn more about NIPA, please visit: www.antibiotics-info.org.