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Published on: February 23, 2014
Pneumococcal disease surveillance in Europe.
R G Pebody1, W Hellenbrand, F D'Ancona
1Health Protection Agency, London, United Kingdom.
Summary
European invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) surveillance is highly varied, with many countries lacking robust systems. Strengthening surveillance is crucial for informed decisions on pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pneumococcal disease (Pnc) causes invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), a significant public health concern in Europe.
- Several European nations are implementing universal childhood immunization programs with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current state of national surveillance systems for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) across Europe.
- To identify variations and gaps in IPD surveillance methodologies and data collection.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to 27 European countries and Norway/Switzerland in 2003, with updates requested in 2006.
- Data on reporting requirements, surveillance systems, case definitions, laboratory practices, and vaccine status collection were analyzed from 22 responding countries.
Main Results:
- IPD surveillance systems were highly heterogeneous across Europe, with four countries lacking reporting requirements.
- Eighteen countries reported 27 national surveillance systems, exhibiting differences in case definitions, serotyping, and susceptibility testing.
- Vaccine status data collection was limited, with only 11/27 systems collecting pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine status and 5/27 collecting pneumococcal conjugate vaccine status.
Conclusions:
- European surveillance for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is fragmented and inconsistent.
- Strengthening IPD surveillance is essential for effective decision-making regarding new pneumococcal vaccines and monitoring their impact.
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