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Characterization of invasive isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae among Taiwanese children

Y-C Hsieh1, Y-C Huang, H-C Lin

  • 1Division of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan.

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|April 28, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Molecular surveillance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Taiwanese children revealed prevalent international and domestic antibiotic-resistant clones causing invasive disease. The study identified key serotypes and virulence genes, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae causes invasive diseases, necessitating accurate molecular surveillance for understanding transmission dynamics.
  • Monitoring pneumococcal isolates in children is crucial for public health interventions and vaccine strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct genetic analysis of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children in Taiwan.
  • To detect the presence of zmpC and zmpD virulence genes and characterize prevalent serotypes and clonal complexes.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective collection of 68 invasive S. pneumoniae isolates from children between January 2004 and December 2006 in Taiwan.
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) used to detect zmpC and zmpD genes.
  • Serotyping and genotyping (MLST) to identify prevalent serotypes and international/domestic clones.

Main Results:

  • Serotype 14 was associated with pneumonia (OR 3.1), and Serotype 23F with bacteraemia (OR 7.5).
  • The seven-valent conjugate vaccine covered 83.8% of isolates; non-vaccine serotypes were more common in children with underlying diseases.
  • International clones (e.g., Spain23F ST81) and emerging domestic penicillin-resistant clones (e.g., ST876) accounted for a significant proportion of isolates.
  • The zmpC gene was found in 1.5% and the zmpD gene in 47.1% of isolates.

Conclusions:

  • The spread of international and domestic antibiotic-resistant clones of Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant cause of invasive disease in Taiwanese children.
  • Understanding serotype distribution and genetic characteristics is vital for effective control strategies and vaccine development.
  • The prevalence of the zmpD virulence gene suggests its potential role in pneumococcal pathogenesis.

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