Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
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
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines: emerging clinical information and its implications
Stephen P Lockhart1, Jill G Hackell, Bernard Fritzell
1Wyeth Vaccine Research, Clinical Research Taplow, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 0PH, United Kingdom. lockhas@wyeth.com
Expert Review of Vaccines
|September 23, 2006
Summary
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines significantly reduce invasive disease, pneumonia, and antibiotic-resistant infections. Schedule changes, like fewer doses, may impact vaccine effectiveness and indirect protection, requiring further study.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Vaccinology
- Public health
Background:
- The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) since 2000 has markedly decreased invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.
- PCVs have also demonstrated efficacy in reducing pneumonia, otitis media, and infections with antibiotic-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae strains in young children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of PCVs on public health.
- To discuss the implications of evolving PCV immunization schedules (e.g., '2+1' or '3+0' schedules) compared to the established '3+1' schedule.
- To consider future directions in PCV development and application.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and epidemiological data on PCV effectiveness.
- Analysis of antibody responses and nasopharyngeal carriage data related to different dosing schedules.
- Discussion of potential impacts of schedule modifications on population-level vaccine effectiveness.
Main Results:
- A '3+1' schedule is standard in the USA, but '2+1' or '3+0' schedules are being adopted globally.
- Some serotypes elicit lower antibody levels with a two-dose primary series compared to a three-dose series.
- Booster doses may be crucial for reducing nasopharyngeal carriage and enhancing indirect protection.
Conclusions:
- The long-term effectiveness of reduced-dose PCV schedules requires ongoing evaluation.
- Future PCV advancements may involve expanding serotype coverage and extending vaccination to adult populations for enhanced direct protection.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.
01:30Pneumonia 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...
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...
01:29Pneumonia 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...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
01:27Streptococcal 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...