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 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, MD, UI 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.

One of the primary causes of antibiotic resistance is the inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat viral infections such as colds, coughs and the flu. Antibiotics are ineffective against these disorders and should not be used.

It is also important for patients receiving appropriate antibiotics to finish all the medicine prescribed. This reduces the chances of microbes escaping the antibiotic and becoming resistant to subsequent treatment.

Following are steps to help reduce antibiotic resistance:

• Do not request or demand antibiotics for viral illnesses such as colds, cough, or flu.
• Remember that a viral infection may take up to two weeks to run its course. Antibiotics will not help.
• If an antibiotic is necessary for a bacterial infection, 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.

Following are facts about pneumococcus:

• Pneumococcus is a bacteria which causes ear infection, sinusitis, pneumonia, and meningitis.
• Vaccines are available for children and adults to help prevent pneumococcal infections, hospitalization and death.
• Vaccination is recommended for children and adults aged 65 or older and for anyone at high risk for pneumococcal infection, such as those without a spleen. Ask your doctor for more information.
• Last year in Iowa, pneumococcus caused serious infections in more than 385 people. Pneumococcus causes approximately 40 percent of bacterial ear infections.