Antibiotic resistance to pneumococcal infections on the rise in Iowa

The percentage of a common type of infection that is resistant to treatment by ordinary antibiotics is rising in Iowa, according to a statewide survey from University of Iowa Health Care researchers and other state health professionals.

Data from surveillance of the state's most serious infections, conducted by the Iowa Task Force for Antibiotic Resistance, shows that 27 percent of all invasive pneumococcal infections were resistant to penicillin in 2000, compared to 24 percent in 1999.

"This is a concern," said Daniel J. Diekema, M.D., assistant professor of pathology and internal medicine and a member of the task force, "because penicillin-resistant pneumococcus is frequently resistant to many other antibiotic classes, making it much more difficult to treat these common and serious infections."

Pneumococcus is a leading cause of illness in young children and the elderly. It causes ear infections, sinusitis, pneumonia and one of the most fatal forms of meningitis.

How you can help

• Do not request or demand antibiotics for viral illnesses such as colds, cough, or flu. A viral infection might take up to two weeks to run its course, and antibiotics will not help.
• If an antibiotic is necessary, ask your doctor for one that's targeted to the specific infection.
• When taking antibiotics, follow all directions exactly and finish the entire prescription, even if you start to feel better.
• Do not save, share or buy antibiotics for later use.
• Ask your doctor about vaccinations you or your children might need.