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PCV7 serotypes increased need for mechanical ventilation
Despite availability of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, more than half of children do not get vaccinated, according to recent study findings published in Pediatrics.
“There was a decrease in the incidence of PCV7 serotype meningitis after licensure of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine,” Chris Stockmann, MSc, of the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, and colleagues wrote. “However, non-PCV7 serotype disease continues to be associated with substantial mortality as well as long-term morbidity. Sixty-three percent of survivors had neurologic sequelae.”
The retrospective cohort study included 68 confirmed cases of pneumococcal meningitis among Utah children from 1997 to 2010.
Researchers found that 64% of cases were caused by PCV7 (Prevnar, Pfizer) serotypes before and 25% of cases after PCV7 licensure. Thirteen percent of cases were fatal overall and similar for both cases caused by PCV7 and non-PCV7 serotypes (P=.7). Mechanical ventilation was required more by children with PCV7 serotypes (68%) compared with non-PCV7 serotypes (34%). Sixty-three percent of survivors had neurologic sequelae, which was similar among both cases with PCV7 and non-PCV7 serotypes. Fifty-four percent of children who developed pneumococcal meningitis from PCV7 serotypes had not received PCV7, although they were eligible.
“More than one-third of pneumococcal meningitis cases from 2001 to 2010 were caused by serotypes contained within the recently licensed [13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine],” researchers wrote. “Immunization with PCV13 will likely further reduce the burden of pediatric meningitis, although ongoing surveillance will be critical to document changes in serotype burden and associated sequelae.”
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.
