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IPD rates on the rise in Spain
De Sevilla MF. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2011;doi:10.1097/INF.0b013e318241d09e.
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Invasive pneumococcal disease rates are growing in Spain, and the predominant serotypes are those not contained within the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, according to research published online.
Maria F. De Sevilla, MD, of the Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, and colleagues conducted a prospective study that included all children aged younger than 5 years with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) who were admitted to two pediatric hospitals from 2007 to 2009. They included 319 patients in their analysis.
The researchers reported a 44% increase in IPD from 2007 to 2009, and in most cases, non-PCV7 serotypes were isolated — including the most prominent serotype, 19A. Pneumonia presented in 254 patients, meningitis in 29 patients and bacteremia in 25 patients.
“The imbalance between host factors and virulence of the pathogen is partly responsible for the production of IPD. The main virulence factor of pneumococcus is the polysaccharide capsule, with 93 serotypes with differing pathogenicity,” the researchers wrote.
With all of these different serotypes circulating, the researchers said it is important to keep tabs on dominant strains and make preventive measures available.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
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