Antibiotic resistance in Latin America: A cause for alarm

M. Teresa Valenzuela*, Ciro de Quadros

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

The burden of pneumococcal disease in Latin America is most pronounced in children aged <6 years. The increasing rate of resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae to penicillin and other antibiotics has generated concern among health authorities, since infection by antibiotic-resistant serotypes may be associated with increased mortality. Increased resistance is due to a number of factors including high antibiotic usage in this region. Vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines offers an effective approach to counter resistant disease due to covered serotypes. Existing surveillance systems must be continued to recognise changes in patterns of resistance and the serotypes that cause pneumococcal disease.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)C25-C28
JournalVaccine
Volume27
Issue numberSUPPL. 3
DOIs
StatePublished - 21 Aug 2009

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
The authors thank Excerpta Medica (Bridgewater, NJ) for professional writing assistance, which was funded by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Collegeville, PA.

Keywords

  • Antibiotic resistance
  • PCV7
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae

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