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Serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease in the Republic of Ireland

I Vickers1, M Fitzgerald, S Murchan

  • 1Epidemiology and Molecular Biology Unit and Irish Meningococcal and Meningitis Reference Laboratory, Children's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. imelda.vickers@cuh.ie

Epidemiology and Infection
|July 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) reduced invasive pneumococcal disease in Irish infants. Serotype 14 remained common, and a new serotype 6C was identified, impacting vaccine effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced into Ireland's routine infant immunization program in September 2008.
  • Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a significant public health concern, particularly in young children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates causing invasive disease in Ireland before and after PCV7 introduction.
  • To assess the prevalence of the novel serotype 6C and evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns.
  • To estimate the potential impact of PCV7 on IPD in children under two years old.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 977 S. pneumoniae isolates from invasive disease cases during 2000-2002 and 2007-2008.
  • Serotyping of isolates and specific assessment for serotype 6C.
  • Determination of susceptibility to penicillin and cefotaxime for isolates from 2007-2008.

Main Results:

  • Serotype 14 was the most prevalent serotype in both study periods.
  • Approximately 7.7% of isolates previously identified as serotype 6A were reclassified as the newly described serotype 6C.
  • PCV7's potential to prevent IPD in children under two decreased from 85% (2000-2002) to 74% (2007-2008).
  • Penicillin non-susceptibility was observed in 17% of isolates in 2007-2008.

Conclusions:

  • Ongoing surveillance of pneumococcal serotypes is crucial to monitor the impact of PCV7 and inform future vaccination strategies.
  • The emergence of serotype 6C and shifts in serotype prevalence may affect the long-term effectiveness of current vaccines.
  • The findings highlight the need for updated vaccines with broader serotype coverage to address evolving pneumococcal epidemiology.

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