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Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in Sydney children, 1991-96
J L Liddle1, P B McIntyre, C W Davis
1Department of Epidemiology, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Westmead, NSW, Australia.
Insights
Invasive pneumococcal disease in Sydney children remained stable between 1991-1996. Rates were comparable to other developed nations, with no impact observed from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) immunization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a significant global health concern in children.
- Limited data exist on IPD incidence in Australian pediatric populations.
- Understanding age-specific incidence is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the age-specific incidence of invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in children residing in Sydney, Australia.
- To provide baseline data for future surveillance and intervention strategies.
Main Methods:
- A population-based prospective study was conducted from July 1991 to June 1996.
- Isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from sterile sites were identified via a laboratory surveillance network.
- The study included children under 15 years within specified Sydney metropolitan health services.
Main Results:
- A total of 320 cases of IPD were identified in children under 15 years.
- The highest incidence rates were observed in the youngest age groups: 45.5 per 100,000 children under 2 years and 31.7 per 100,000 children under 5 years.
- The incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in children under 2 years was 10.5 per 100,000.
Conclusions:
- Childhood IPD incidence in Sydney was stable during the study period (1991-1996).
- Observed rates were comparable to those reported in other industrialized countries.
- No change in IPD incidence was associated with the reduction in invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease following Hib immunization introduction.
Objective:
Few data are available on invasive disease due to Streptococcus pneumoniae in representative Australian childhood populations. This study aimed to determine the age-specific incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in Sydney children.
Methodology:
Population-based prospective study where isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from normally sterile sites were identified through an established laboratory surveillance network. Isolates came from children aged under 15 years living within the boundaries of Central, Eastern. Southern, Western and South-western Sydney Area Health Services from 1 July 1991 to 30 June 1996.
Results:
Invasive pneumococcal disease was identified in 320 children during a 5-year period, of whom 193 (60%) were under 2 years of age. The incidence per 100,000 children was 12.7 per 100,000 (95% CI: 11.4-14.2/100,000) under 15 years; 31.7 (95% CI 28.1-35.7) under 5 years, and 45.5 (95% CI 38.9-53.3) under 2 years. The incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in children aged under 2 years was 10.5 per 100,000 (95% CI: 7.4-14.5/100,000).
Conclusions:
The incidence of childhood invasive pneumococcal disease in Sydney was stable during 1991-96 and comparable to rates reported from other industrialized countries. There was no evidence of any change in pneumococcal disease incidence with reduction in invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease following introduction of Hib immunization.