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Antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive S. pneumoniae 2004

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 545 viable invasive isolates of S. pneumoniae referred to ESR in 2004 was tested. 18.2% (99) were categorised as penicillin nonsusceptible (MIC ≥0.12 mg/L): 10.1% (55) as resistant (MIC ≥2 mg/L) and 8.1% (44) as intermediate (MIC 0.12-1 mg/L). Penicillin resistance increased significantly in 2003 and 2004, following four successive years of declining resistance between 1999 and 2002 (Figure 1).

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