Antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis clinical isolates from children with acute otitis media in Japan from 2014 to 2017.

ABSTRACT

Increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pathogenic bacteria is a serious threat to public health. Surveillance studies to monitor shifting trends in resistance are important and guide the selection of appropriate antimicrobial agents for a particular organism. Furthermore, these studies help in dissemination of accurate information regarding AMR to the public. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis clinical isolates from outpatient children with acute otitis media in Japan from 2014 to 2017. A total of 8693 strains (2415 of S. pneumoniae, 3657 of H. influenzae, and 2621 of M. catarrhalis) were clinically isolated, and their antimicrobial susceptibilities to benzylpenicillin (PCG), ampicillin (ABPC), amoxicillin-clavulanic (AMPC/CVA), azithromycin (AZM), ceftriaxone (CTRX), and levofloxacin (LVFX) were investigated. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) breakpoints, the average proportion of S. pneumoniae isolates non-susceptible to PCG and AZM was 38.2% and 82.0% respectively. The average proportion of H. influenzae isolates non-susceptible to ABPC, CVA/AMPC, and CTRX was 61.9%, 43.5%, and 49.4%, respectively. The high prevalence of these resistant organisms is attributed to frequent use of antibiotic agents in Japan. Moreover, the proportion of LVFX-non-susceptible H. influenzae isolates increased in this four-year study. Here, we report updates regarding the AMR trends amongst the major pathogens that cause acute otitis media in Japan. Continuing surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibility and application of control measures against further transmission are required to decrease the emergence of resistant strains.