RESUMO
Background: The rising antimicrobial resistance of streptococcus pneumonió, requires permanent surveillance. Antimicrobial treatments of invasive infections must be modified accordingly. Aim: To assess the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of streptococcus pneumonió strains isolated from lower respiratory infections. Material and methods: Seventy five strains isolated during three periods in consecutive years were studied. In vitro susceptibility towards penicillin, erythromycin and ceftriaxone was studied using E-test technique minimal inhibitory concentrations. Results: Five percent of strains were penicillin resistant and 11 percent had an intermediate sensitivity. Erythromycin resistance was observed in 1.3 percent of strains. Eight percent of strains had an intermediate sensitivity towards ceftriaxone and no resistance was observed. Comparing susceptibility in the three studied periods, it remained low and stable. Conclusions: High and intermediate resistance of Strepfococcus pneumonió towards penicillin is less prevalent than in other countries. A close surveillance must be maintained