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Antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive S. pneumoniae 2002

Please note: As of 1 July 2025, the New Zealand Institute for Public Health and Forensic Science (PHF Science) is the new name for the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR). Research and reports published prior to this date may reference the organisation’s former name.

Summary

The antimicrobial susceptibility of all 490 viable invasive isolates of S. pneumoniae referred to ESR in 2002 was tested. 16.9% (83) were categorised as penicillin nonsusceptible (MIC ≥0.12 mg/L): 3.5% (17) as resistant (MIC ≥2 mg/L) and 13.5% (66) as intermediate (MIC 0.12-1 mg/L). The prevalence of penicillin resistance has decreased in each of the last four years since 1998 (Figure 1). While there was also a decline in penicillin nonsusceptibility between 1999 and 2001, the prevalence increased again in 2002.

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