Ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae. 1. Incidence, mechanism, and detection

Postgraduate Medicine
C Thornsberry, L K McDougal

Abstract

Ampicillin resistance in Haemophilus influenzae, an organism once thought to be universally susceptible to ampicillin, is increasing. It varies from one institution or community to another, and rates of 6.6% to 48% have been reported. The vast majority of resistant strains produce beta-lactamase, an enzyme that hydrolyzes the beta-lactam ring of ampicillin and other susceptible beta-lactam antibiotics. The beta-lactamase production is mediated by a gene contained on a plasmid (piece of extrachromosomal DNA). It is important for physicians and microbiologists to be aware that an infection such as meningitis or otitis media could be caused by ampicillin-resistant strain of H influenzae. Knowledge of the incidence of resistance for the institution or community is particularly pertinent in selection of empiric therapy.

References

Jun 1, 1977·Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·L A Kirven, C Thornsberry
Jun 1, 1976·The Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy·R B Sykes, M Matthew
Apr 1, 1975·Journal of Bacteriology·F HeffronS Falkow
Oct 5, 1974·Lancet·B A GunnC Thornsberry
Sep 27, 1967·Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences·P F WehrleD Ivler
Jan 1, 1973·Advances in Microbial Physiology·M H Richmond, R B Sykes
May 1, 1980·The Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. Supplement·D J LimH G Birck
Dec 1, 1964·Postgraduate Medical Journal·L D THRUPPB PORTNOY
Nov 1, 1974·Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·C Thornsberry, L A Kirven
Nov 1, 1974·Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy·C Thornsberry, L A Kirven

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Sep 1, 1989·Infection·H LecourM Miranda
Jul 1, 1986·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·J M van Dijk, A Burger
Jun 1, 1986·Journal of Clinical Microbiology·S A KinderK S Korman

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Antifungals

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Here is the latest research.

Antifungals (ASM)

An antifungal, also known as an antimycotic medication, is a pharmaceutical fungicide or fungistatic used to treat and prevent mycosis such as athlete's foot, ringworm, candidiasis, cryptococcal meningitis, and others. Discover the latest research on antifungals here.

Bacterial Meningitis (ASM)

Bacterial meningitis continues to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Here is the latest research.