Pneumococci relatively resistant to penicillin

ABSTRACT

Review of cases with meningitis in a general hospital in Kuwait showed high prevalence of relatively resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae [RRSP]. During an observation period of 3 years, 6 cases of pneumococcal meningitis were encountered; 4 cases were caused by RRSP. The use of screening tests with 1 micro g oxacillin in disc diffusion susceptibility tests helped to identify less susceptible strains which were then confirmed by determining their minimum inhibitory concentration. Appropriate antibiotic choices led to successful therapy in all instances. The importance of detecting RRSP in cases of meningitis is emphasized