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Serotype distribution of invasive pneumococcal disease during the first 60 days of life

Matthias Imöhl1, Mark van der Linden, Christina Mutscher

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology and National Reference Center for Streptococci, University Hospital (RWTH), Aachen, Germany. mimoehl@ukaachen.de

Vaccine
|May 18, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Invasive pneumococcal disease serotypes in infants under 60 days in Germany differ from vaccinated populations. Separate data analysis for this age group is recommended for accurate vaccine coverage estimates.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a significant global health concern.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes vary by age and geographic region.
  • Understanding serotype distribution in vulnerable populations, like neonates, is crucial for effective vaccination strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the serotype distribution of IPD isolates in children aged 60 days or younger in Germany.
  • To evaluate the theoretical coverage of current pneumococcal vaccines for this specific age group.
  • To assess antimicrobial resistance patterns in IPD isolates from this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 8172 IPD isolates collected in Germany between 1992 and 2006.
  • Identification of serotypes in 88 isolates from children aged 60 days or younger.
  • Calculation of theoretical vaccine serotype coverage.
  • Assessment of antimicrobial susceptibility testing for penicillin G, cefotaxime, amoxicillin, macrolides, and clindamycin.

Main Results:

  • Leading serotypes in infants < or = 60 days were 7F (14.8%), 1 and 14 (13.6% each), 3 (8.0%), and 9V (6.8%).
  • Theoretical vaccine coverages were 36.8% (7-valent), 67.8% (10-valent), 80.5% (13-valent), and 89.7% (23-valent).
  • Penicillin G resistance was 3.1% in meningitis cases; cefotaxime resistance was 3.1% in meningitis cases. Macrolide resistance was 14.9% and clindamycin resistance was 4.6%.

Conclusions:

  • Serotype distribution in neonates differs significantly from older children and adults, suggesting specific transmission dynamics.
  • Current pneumococcal vaccines may have suboptimal coverage for infants < or = 60 days.
  • Separate epidemiological data presentation for this age group is recommended to improve vaccine coverage accuracy.

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