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Serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae in north-western Greece and implications for a vaccination

Stamatina Levidiotou1, Georgia Vrioni, Georgina Tzanakaki

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. sleveidi@uoi.gr

FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology
|October 27, 2006
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed Streptococcus pneumoniae in Greek children, finding common serotypes in invasive disease and ear infections. The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vPCV) covers most serotypes in young children, but antibiotic resistance is a concern.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae causes invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), acute otitis media (AOM), and nasopharyngeal carriage in children.
  • Understanding serotype prevalence and antibiotic resistance is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the serotypes and antibiotic sensitivities of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains from children in north-western Greece.
  • To evaluate the coverage of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (7vPCV) against prevalent serotypes.

Main Methods:

  • Serotyping and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed on 338 Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates.
  • Isolates were obtained from children with IPD, AOM, and nasopharyngeal carriage.

Main Results:

  • Serotypes 14 and 19F were most common in IPD; serotypes 3, 19F, 9V, and 14 predominated in AOM.
  • 7vPCV covered 90.5% of serotypes in children under 2 years old.
  • Penicillin nonsusceptibility was 23.7%; high susceptibility to cefotaxime (97%) but resistance to erythromycin (29%) and co-trimoxazole (11.2%) was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Specific serotypes are associated with IPD and AOM in Greek children.
  • The 7vPCV vaccine demonstrates good coverage for young children in this region.
  • Antibiotic resistance patterns highlight the need for continued surveillance and judicious antibiotic use.

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