[Pneumococcal infections in the adult population observed at the Poitiers University Hospital. Epidemiologic and clinical study].

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococcus (PNSP) infections and their clinical and microbiological features among an adult population hospitalized at the Poitiers University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

A prospective study was conducted between November 1994 and October 1995 and included all pneumococcus infections.

RESULTS

Fifty-three adults with one pneumococcal strain were included. The overall rate of PNSP strains was 28%. Infections with PNSP strains were more resistant than penicillin-susceptible pneumococcus to other antibiotics. The most frequent infection was pneumonia (36 infections, 28% PNSP).

DISCUSSION: The rate of PNSP in pneumococcal infections was the same in the Poitiers University Hospital as in national surveys in France. The high percentage of multiresistant strains (86.5%) limit the use of antibiotics other than beta-lactams. Surveys of pneumococcal resistance to antibiotics are needed to adapt antibiotic strategies to the local epidemiological situation.