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[Streptococcus pneumoniae infection and drug resistance in Japan]

Akihito Wada1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Nikko Citizen's Hospital.

Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine
|March 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced in Japan in 2010. A survey found high penicillin G minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates, particularly serotype 19A, suggesting a need for broader vaccine coverage.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Epidemiology

Context:

  • The introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in Japan in 2010 aimed to reduce invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) burden.
  • Population-based surveillance is crucial for monitoring vaccine effectiveness and pathogen resistance patterns.

Purpose:

  • To assess the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children in Japan following PCV7 introduction.
  • To evaluate the susceptibility of specific pneumococcal serotypes, including the emerging 19A, to penicillin G and meropenem.

Summary:

  • A population-based survey in Japan revealed that 62.7% of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates exhibited penicillin G minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of ≥0.125 µg/mL.
  • Notably, ST320 isolates of serotype 19A displayed higher MICs for penicillin G (2-4 µg/mL) and meropenem (0.25-0.5 µg/mL).

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the increasing antibiotic resistance in pediatric pneumococcal infections in Japan.
  • The data supports the anticipated early introduction of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to broaden serotype coverage and combat resistance.

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