Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

Carriage of encapsulated bacteria in Gabonese children with sickle cell anaemia

F Schaumburg1, B Biallas, E Ngoune Feugap

  • 1Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany. frieder.schaumburg@ukmuenster.de

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|February 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) show similar rates of bacterial carriage and antibiotic resistance compared to healthy children in Gabon. This finding supports current antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination strategies for SCA patients.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Hematology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) increases susceptibility to encapsulated bacterial infections in children.
  • Understanding bacterial carriage and resistance patterns is crucial for guiding prophylaxis and vaccination in SCA patients.
  • Gabon lacks specific data on common bacterial pathogens in children with SCA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae isolates from children with and without SCA in Gabon.
  • To compare carriage rates, antibiotic resistance patterns, and capsular types between SCA and non-SCA children.
  • To inform antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination strategies for children with SCA in Gabon.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing nasal and pharyngeal isolates from SCA children (n=73) and matched controls (n=143).
  • Identification of S. pneumoniae, Staph. aureus, and H. influenzae.
  • Analysis of resistance patterns and capsular types; comparison of antibiotic treatment history.

Main Results:

  • Overall carriage rates for the studied bacteria did not differ significantly between SCA and control groups.
  • Children with SCA had a significantly higher number of days on antibiotic treatment in the past year.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility and capsular type distribution were similar between SCA and control groups, with specific non-susceptibility rates noted for penicillin, oxacillin, and ampicillin.

Conclusions:

  • Carriage and antibiotic resistance rates of S. pneumoniae, Staph. aureus, and H. influenzae are comparable in children with and without SCA in Gabon.
  • The findings support current empiric therapy guidelines for invasive bacterial diseases in Gabonese children.
  • Further research may refine targeted prophylaxis and vaccination based on local epidemiology.

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

Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens08:23

Culture Methods to Determine the Limit of Detection and Survival in Transport Media of Campylobacter Jejuni in Human Fecal Specimens

Published on: March 10, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion01:26

Bacterial Translocation and Protein Secretion

Bacterial protein secretion involves translocation systems to ensure proteins reach their designated locations, including the plasma membrane, periplasm, outer membrane, or the external environment. These translocation systems are vital for bacterial physiology, supporting processes like membrane assembly, enzymatic activity in the periplasm, and interactions with the external environment. The division of labor between Sec and Tat pathways ensures efficiency in handling proteins with diverse...
Cholera01:25

Cholera

Cholera is an acute gastrointestinal disease caused by the Gram-negative bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is transmitted primarily via the fecal-oral route through the ingestion of contaminated water or food.Vibrio cholerae is a motile, Gram-negative bacterium of the family Vibrionaceae, primarily associated with waterborne outbreaks in areas with inadequate sanitation. Although over 200 serogroups of V. cholerae exist, only O1 and O139 are responsible for epidemic cholera. The O1 serogroup,...
Colonisation of Pathogens01:25

Colonisation of Pathogens

Pathogen colonization of host tissues is a critical step in the development of infectious diseases. Various pathogenic microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa, have evolved complex strategies to attach to, invade, and persist within host environments. These mechanisms enable pathogens to establish infections, evade immune responses, and resist antimicrobial treatments.Attachment to Host CellsIn bacteria, colonization typically begins with adherence to host epithelial...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...