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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

Risk factors for otitis media and carriage of multiple strains of Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae

J St Sauver1, C F Marrs, B Foxman

  • 1University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|November 15, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Genetic diversity in Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae was studied in children. Multiple H. influenzae isolates, linked to smoking exposure, allergies, and age, may raise otitis media risk.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae are common causes of childhood respiratory infections.
  • Understanding the genetic diversity and carriage dynamics of these bacteria is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic diversity of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae in day-care attending children.
  • To identify factors associated with the carriage of multiple bacterial strains.

Main Methods:

  • Throat culture isolates from 38 children over a period were analyzed.
  • Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was used to determine genetic patterns.
  • Statistical analysis was performed to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • 184 S. pneumoniae and 418 H. influenzae isolates were identified.
  • 29 genetic patterns for S. pneumoniae and 87 for H. influenzae were found.
  • 43% of cultures had multiple H. influenzae types, compared to 5% for S. pneumoniae.

Conclusions:

  • Carriage of multiple H. influenzae strains was associated with smoking exposure, allergies, and specific age groups (36-47 months).
  • This carriage may increase the risk of otitis media in children.
  • Further research is needed to confirm the link between multiple H. influenzae carriage and otitis media.

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