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Antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive S. pneumoniae 2005

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 492 viable invasive isolates of S. pneumoniae referred to ESR in 2005 was tested. 17.1% (84) were categorised as penicillin nonsusceptible (MIC ≥0.12 mg/L): 7.1% (35) as resistant (MIC ≥2 mg/L) and 10.0% (49) as intermediate (MIC 0.12-1 mg/L). Over the last decade there has been considerable variation in the prevalence of penicillin resistance, with a significant increase between 1995 and 1998-9, a decrease between 1999 and 2002 and then a further increase (Figure 1). Penicillin nonsusceptibility increased between 1995 and 1999, but there has been no significant change since then.

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