A study recently published in the Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society reports the first case of meningitis in the United States caused by antibiotic-resistant meningococci. It played until this pointDevelopment of resistance to antibioticsnot a major role in treatment. Doctors have very rarely reported reduced sensitivity to certain drugs. Doctors had now taken samples from a 5-year-old boy from Maryland and found that the bacteria in the isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin.
Meningococcal disease and antibiotic resistance: Maryland boy diagnosed with rare meningitis
The boy was discharged from the hospital after a week's stay and treatment with various antibiotics. When the isolates were examined, resistance to 5 antibiotics was found. These included penicillin and ciprofloxacin, two drugs that are an important part of therapy in the USA.
Fortunately, such cases are still very rare. Although some countries have already reported reduced sensitivity of bacteria to certain drugs, resistance is very rare. Doctors sent the samples to the Maryland Department of Health, where researchers found a genetic mutation that made the bacteria resistant to ciprofloxacin.
The results are concerning because they show that there is antibiotic-resistant meningococci in the United States. How many cases there are nationwide remains unclear at the moment. In order to determine this, an antibiogram should be carried out on every patient with meningitis in the future to determine the necessary therapy and possible resistance.
Meningococci and antibiotic resistance: Prophylaxis can save lives
Antibiotic resistance poses a major challenge for doctors worldwide. That's why in recent years more and more emphasis has been placed on effective prophylaxis.
A new meningococcal vaccine has been available in Europe since November last year. The new vaccine can be used in children aged one and over and protects against four serotypes. Two other vaccines have already been approved and are available nationwide.
