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The epidemiology of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae disease in Croatian children

Marija Guzvinec1, Goran Tesović, Arjana Tambić-Andrasević

  • 1University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, Zagreb, Croatia.

Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research
|December 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Introducing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in Croatia could significantly reduce invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children. This study analyzed IPD characteristics and vaccine coverage in Croatian children, highlighting the potential impact of PCVs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Vaccinology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) poses a significant public health challenge in childhood.
  • Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) present a promising strategy for reducing IPD incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize IPD epidemiology and serotypes in Croatian children.
  • To evaluate the potential impact of introducing various PCVs in Croatia.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective collection of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children under 14 years old in Croatia (2001, 2005, 2006).
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, clinical parameters, serotyping results, and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Main Results:

  • 100 IPD strains were analyzed, with 79% from children under five. Highest incidence was in children under two years (33.9/100,000).
  • Serotypes 14, 6B, 18C, and 23F were most common (67%). PCV7, PCV10, and PCV13 coverage was 72%, 80%, and 90%, respectively.
  • 20% of isolates showed penicillin resistance, and 33.8% showed erythromycin resistance. PCV7 covered 85% of penicillin-resistant and 80% of erythromycin-resistant strains.

Conclusions:

  • PCV inclusion in immunization programs can substantially decrease IPD-related illness in Croatian children.
  • The findings support the implementation of PCVs to combat childhood IPD in Croatia.
Abstract

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