Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Epidemiology of invasive childhood pneumococcal infections in Greece

V Syriopoulou1, G L Daikos, K Soulis

  • 1First Department of Paediatrics, Athens University, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Greece. vsyriop@cc.uoa.gr

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement
|February 24, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Invasive pneumococcal infections are common in children under 14 in Athens, Greece, with pneumonia being the most frequent type. The 7-valent conjugate vaccine covers most prevalent serotypes, offering significant protection potential.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Invasive pneumococcal infections (IPIs) represent a significant global health concern, particularly in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding regional epidemiologic characteristics is crucial for targeted prevention and control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the epidemiological features of IPIS in children under 14 years of age in Athens, Greece.
  • To assess the burden and common serotypes of IPIS in the study region.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study was conducted over a 5-year period (1995-1999).
  • Data on 590 cases of IPIS were collected from Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital.
  • Incidence rates, common infection types, and prevalent serotypes were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The overall annual incidence rate was 44/100,000 children (<14 years), with a higher rate of 100/100,000 for children under 5.
  • Pneumonia was the most common infection (472 cases), followed by bacteraemia (79 cases) and meningitis (33 cases).
  • Serogroups 14, 19, 6, 18, 23, 4, and 9 accounted for 77% of isolates, and 66% of these are covered by the 7-valent conjugate vaccine.

Conclusions:

  • IPIS contribute significantly to pediatric morbidity in the Athens metropolitan area.
  • The findings support the potential impact of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in reducing the burden of IPIS in this region.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following: