Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 1, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination
09:11

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Published on: September 25, 2014

Serotypes and pathogens in paediatric pneumonia

William P Hausdorff1, Ron Dagan

  • 1GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals s.a., Rue de l'Institut, 89, B-1330 Rixensart, Belgium. william.p.hausdorff@gsk.com

Vaccine
|September 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

New vaccines may soon combat childhood pneumonia caused by pneumococcus and non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi). Understanding pathogen importance is crucial for estimating vaccine impact, though NTHi

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Vaccinology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Pneumonia is a leading cause of child mortality globally.
  • Multiple pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae and non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), cause pediatric pneumonia.
  • New vaccines targeting pneumococcus and NTHi are nearing global availability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the relative importance of specific pneumococcal serotypes and NTHi as causative agents of pediatric pneumonia.
  • To inform the projected impact of newly available conjugate vaccines on childhood pneumonia.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of published studies on pediatric pneumonia etiology.
  • Analysis of the contribution of specific Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes to pneumonia.
  • Assessment of the role of non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) in pneumonia.

Main Results:

  • Emerging conjugate vaccines, particularly those including serotype 1, show significant potential for preventing childhood pneumonia due to expanded serotype coverage.
  • The precise contribution of NTHi to the overall burden of pediatric pneumonia remains to be fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

  • Vaccine strategies targeting pneumococcus, especially with broad serotype coverage, are promising for reducing childhood pneumonia.
  • Further research is needed to clarify the etiological role of NTHi in pediatric pneumonia to optimize prevention efforts.

More Related Videos

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia 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...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps: