Abstract
Methods::
Streptococcal isolates recovered from keratitis, endophthalmitis, conjunctivitis, dacryoadenitis, blebitis and wound infections between 2002 and 2006 were identified and extracted from the Microbiology Department Data bank of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami, FL. Sensitivity profiles were obtained for Streptococcus viridans and Streptococcus pneumoniae to the fluoroquinolones available for testing. Among the total cases (259), those with available fluoroquinolone sensitivity profiles (207, 80%) were recorded. Fluoroquinolone sensitivity was determined using disk diffusion testing and by e-tests. Isolates were recorded as sensitive, intermediate or resistant. Penicillin susceptibility profiles were also documented.
Results::
In the earlier period, there were 50 cases of S. Pneumonia, of which 100% were susceptible to the fluoroquinolones. Out of 42 cases of S. Viridansin the earlier period, 4 (9.5%) were resistant or had intermediate sensitivity to the fluoroquinolones. Of 71 cases of S. Pneumonia in the later period, 2 (2.9%) were resistant or had intermediate sensitivity to the fluoroquinolones. During the same time period, there were 53 cases of S. Viridans, 9 (17.0%) of which showed resistance or intermediate sensitivity to the fluoroquinolones.
Conclusions::
In the current study, certain Streptococcal isolates, particularly the S. Viridans group,had increased in vitro resistance to the fluoroquinolones, with resistance rates almost doubling from the earlier to the later time period.
Keywords: antibiotics/antifungals/antiparasitics • drug toxicity/drug effects