DOI: 10.1097/mcp.0000000000001153 ISSN: 1531-6971
Community acquired pneumonia due to antibiotic resistant-Streptococcus pneumoniae: diagnosis, management and prevention
Grace C.Y. Lui, Christopher K.C. Lai
Purpose of review
A resurgence of pneumococcal pneumonia has been observed after a marked reduction in the early COVID-19 pandemic. Penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae is regarded as a WHO priority pathogen.
Recent findings
Overall antibiotic resistance rates in S. pneumoniae have increased due to increase in antibiotic consumption and changes in serotype distribution, partly driven by the rollout of pneumococcal vaccination. Isolates from pneumococcal pneumonia have higher resistance rates than those from invasive pneumococcal disease. New antibiotics have been approved for treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, and are active against multidrug-resistant S. pneumoniae. Pneumococcal vaccines in both children and adults are effective in reducing the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults, though some circulating vaccine and nonvaccine serotypes are driving antibiotic resistance.
Summary
Continual surveillance of serotype and resistance patterns of S. pneumoniae causing pneumonia in adult populations is important after the introduction of new pneumococcal vaccines. Novel pneumococcal vaccine platforms are needed to overcome the threats of serotype replacement and antibiotic resistance.