Fatal infection caused by a multiply resistant type 3 pneumococcus.

The most virulent pneumococcal serotype (type 3) has not to date been associated with multiple antimicrobial resistance. We report an unusual gastrointestinal presentation of fatal septicemia caused by a multiply resistant type 3 pneumococcus in a setting of increasing prevalence of multiple resistance, including resistance to erythromycin, clindamycin, and tetracycline.