Professional
Technical
IVT
Macrolide Resistance
Bacterial resistance to erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin, particularly problematic in Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Full Definition
Macrolide resistance in pediatric pathogens has increased significantly, especially in Streptococcus pneumoniae and group A streptococcus. Resistance mechanisms include ribosomal methylation (erm genes) and efflux pumps (mef genes). This resistance pattern affects treatment choices for common pediatric infections like pneumonia and pharyngitis. High-dose amoxicillin is often preferred over macrolides for pneumococcal infections in areas with high resistance rates.
Usage
Usage note: Critical consideration in empirical antibiotic selection for pediatric respiratory infections.
In Context
- "Local pneumococcal macrolide resistance rates exceeded 30%, influencing antibiotic selection." — Antimicrobial stewardship report
- "The isolate demonstrated macrolide resistance via the erm(B) mechanism." — Microbiology report
Also known as
azithromycin resistance
erythromycin resistance
Contrasted with
macrolide susceptibility
Don't confuse with
beta-lactam resistance
quinolone resistance