Korean J Pediatr.  2008 Oct;51(10):1031-1037. 10.3345/kjp.2008.51.10.1031.

Emergence of macrolide resistance and clinical use of macrolide antimicrobials in children

• Choi EH

• KMID: 2280307
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2008.51.10.1031

Abstract

Macrolide antimicrobial agents including erythromycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, and azithromycin are commonly used in the treatment of respiratory tract infections in children. Newer macrolides that have structural modifications of older drug erythromycin show improved change in the spectrum of activity, dosing, and administration. However, recent studies reported that increasing use of macrolide antibiotics is the main force driving the development of macrolide resistance in streptococci. In particular, azithromycin use is more likely to select for macrolide resistance with Streptococcus pneumoniae than is clarithromycin use, a possible reflection of its much longer half life. Recently, erythromycin resistance rates of S. pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes are rapidly increasing in Korea. Two main mechanisms of acquired macrolide resistance have been described, altered binding site on the bacterial ribosome encoded by the ermB gene and active macrolide efflux pump encoded by the mef gene. Relationship between the susceptibility of S. pneumoniae and the response to macrolides has been shown in studies of acute otitis media, but less clear in cases of pneumonia. This article reviews the spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetic properties, mechanisms of action and resistance, and clinical implication of resistance on the treatment of respiratory tract infections in children.

Keyword

Macrolide; Resistance; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Streptococcus pyogenes

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Infective Agents
Azithromycin
Binding Sites
Child
Clarithromycin
Erythromycin
Half-Life
Humans
Korea
Macrolides
Otitis Media
Pneumonia
Respiratory Tract Infections
Ribosomes
Roxithromycin
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pyogenes
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Anti-Infective Agents
Azithromycin
Clarithromycin
Erythromycin
Macrolides
Roxithromycin