[Following the serotypes of pneumococcal strains isolated in asplenic subjects]

There have been relatively few studies concerning the epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in asplenic subjects, and even fewer concerning pneumococcal carriage. A small number of studies provide data on serotype frequency, or simply on serogroups. The frequency of pneumococcal carriers among sickle-cell anemia children varies from 6% to 27% depending on the series and the type of sampling used (rhinopharyngeal or oropharyngeal).

It is particularly important to carefully follow the evolution of the serotypes and sensitivities of pneumococci isolated from carriers in order to assess the selective pressure of the antibiotic prophylaxis and to determine the impact of anti-pneumococcal vaccination in this population, as in the general population.