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Three fatal pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine failures
J N Hanna1, D J Wenck, D N Murphy
1Tropical Public Health Unit, Queensland Health, Cairns. jeffery_hanna@health.qld.gov.au
The Medical Journal of Australia
|November 4, 2000
Summary
Indigenous Australians experienced fatal invasive pneumococcal disease despite vaccination. Pneumococcal isolates matched vaccine serotypes, suggesting potential vaccine failure in vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a significant global health concern.
- Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV) is recommended for adults, particularly those at higher risk.
- Indigenous Australian populations face a disproportionately high burden of IPD.
Observation:
- Three Indigenous Australian adults succumbed to IPD.
- All patients had received the PPSV an average of 18 months prior to infection.
- Isolates from patients contained pneumococcal serotypes covered by the vaccine.
Findings:
- Vaccine failure occurred despite vaccination with PPSV.
- The identified pneumococcal serotypes were within the vaccine's coverage.
- Heavy alcohol consumption was noted in two patients, and recent heavy intake in the third.
Implications:
- The study highlights potential limitations of current PPSV vaccination schedules in Indigenous Australians.
- Alcohol consumption may be a critical factor influencing vaccine effectiveness against IPD.
- Further research into optimal vaccination strategies and schedules is warranted to minimize vaccine failures in high-risk groups.