Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Argentinian children: serotypes, families of pneumococcal surface

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M Mollerach1, M Regueira, L Bonofiglio

  • 1Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junin 956, 1113 Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Epidemiology and Infection
|April 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae PspA (Pneumococcal surface protein A) families 1 and 2 are key targets for vaccines. Argentinian strains predominantly belong to these families, aiding vaccine development for critical regions.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a key virulence factor of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • PspA exhibits antigenic variability, influencing vaccine efficacy.
  • Optimal protection against PspA is family-specific, necessitating strain characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize PspA families in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Argentina.
  • To inform the development of PspA-based vaccines for regions where they are most needed.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 149 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from Argentina.
  • Determination of PspA family types (family 1 and family 2) using box typing.
  • Capsular type identification for isolates.

Main Results:

  • Of 149 Argentinian isolates, 54.4% were PspA family 1, 41.6% were family 2, and 4.0% expressed both.
  • The isolates represented at least 10 clonally related groups.
  • PspA families 1 and 2 are highly prevalent in the studied Argentinian strains.

Conclusions:

  • Argentinian Streptococcus pneumoniae strains are predominantly in PspA families 1 and 2.
  • This prevalence supports the inclusion of these PspA families in vaccine formulations for this region.
  • Further research into clonal groups can refine vaccine strategies.

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