Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens
08:47

Opsonophagocytic Killing Assay to Assess Immunological Responses Against Bacterial Pathogens

Published on: April 5, 2019

Immune response to the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 30 asplenic children

B Mikoluc1, H Kayhty, E Bernatowska

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and Developmental Disorders of Children and Adolescents, Medical University in Bialystok, 17 Waszyngtona Street, 15-224, Bialystok, Poland. bozenam@mp.pl

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases : Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology
|June 28, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study shows that the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) effectively boosts pneumococcal antibodies in asplenic children. Previous pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) immunization did not impact PCV7 vaccine response.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Immunology
  • Vaccinology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Asplenic children are at increased risk of severe pneumococcal infections.
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPV) are used for prevention.
  • The immune response to PCV7 in asplenic children, particularly those with prior PPV exposure, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine pneumococcal antibody concentrations post-PCV7 vaccination in asplenic children.
  • To assess the influence of prior PPV immunization on the PCV7 response.
  • To evaluate PCV7 as a potential vaccine option for asplenic children.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 30 asplenic children aged 4 months to 19 years.
  • Antibody concentrations against seven pneumococcal serotypes were measured using ELISA before and after PCV7 vaccination.
  • Fifteen children had received PPV approximately 5 years prior to PCV7 vaccination.

Main Results:

  • PCV7 vaccination induced a robust immune response in asplenic children.
  • Pre-vaccination antibody levels were similar in children with or without prior PPV exposure.
  • Prior PPV immunization did not alter antibody concentrations after PCV7 vaccination.

Conclusions:

  • Asplenic children previously vaccinated with PPV may benefit from earlier PPV revaccination than currently recommended.
  • PCV7 demonstrates a satisfactory immune response in asplenic patients.
  • PCV7 should be considered a viable vaccine alternative for asplenic children.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction04:25

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction

Published on: February 24, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal 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...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions01:19

Hypersensitivity Reactions: Immune-Complex Reactions

Type III hypersensitivity reactions occur when antigen–antibody complexes form and activate the complement system. Normally, these complexes help the clearance of antigens by phagocytes and red blood cells. However, when large numbers of immune complexes are present, they can deposit in tissues—particularly in the walls of blood vessels—leading to inflammation and tissue injury. These deposits trigger complement activation and neutrophil recruitment, resulting in serum sickness, a systemic...
Humoral Immune Responses01:36

Humoral Immune Responses

Overview