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Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
[Severe pneumococcal infections in the elderly - preventable by vaccination]
1MVZ Labor Dr. Limbach und Kollegen, Im Breitspiel 15, 69126, Heidelberg, Deutschland. herbert.hof@labor-limbach.de
Zeitschrift Fur Gerontologie Und Geriatrie
|December 20, 2012
Summary
Pneumococcal infections disproportionately affect seniors, leading to severe sepsis. Vaccination rates were low, yet most infections could have been prevented with available vaccines, highlighting the importance of prevention.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Elderly individuals exhibit increased susceptibility to pneumococcal infections.
- Pneumococcal infections in seniors can lead to severe complications like sepsis, particularly during winter months.
- German data (2005-2010) indicates higher prevalence in men than women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiology of pneumococcal infections in the elderly in Germany.
- To assess the potential impact of vaccination on preventing severe outcomes.
- To evaluate antibiotic susceptibility patterns of pneumococcal isolates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pneumococcal infection data in Germany (2005-2010).
- Examination of isolate characteristics, including capsular polysaccharide antigen presence.
- Review of antibiotic susceptibility testing results for common treatments.
Main Results:
- Approximately 80% of isolates possessed antigens covered by the 23-valent vaccine.
- Vaccination coverage among the elderly was only 28%, suggesting missed prevention opportunities.
- High susceptibility to cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin was observed; resistance to penicillin and ampicillin was rare.
- Erythromycin resistance showed a declining trend.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of severe pneumococcal infections and associated mortality in the elderly could have been prevented through vaccination.
- Despite available antibiotics, delayed treatment remains a challenge, underscoring the critical role of preventive strategies.
- The introduction of new conjugated vaccines offers improved prevention options for this vulnerable population.
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