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Antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive S. pneumoniae 2003

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 523 viable invasive isolates of S. pneumoniae referred to ESR in 2003 was tested. 16.4% (86) were categorised as penicillin nonsusceptible (MIC ≥0.12 mg/L): 7.5% (39) as resistant (MIC ≥2 mg/L) and 9.0% (47) as intermediate (MIC 0.12-1 mg/L). Penicillin resistance increased in 2003, following four successive years of declining resistance since 1998 (Figure 1). There has not been any significant change in penicillin nonsusceptibility since 1998.

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