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Published on: September 11, 2020
Serotype 35B Streptococcus pneumoniae, Japan, 2002-2012
Kei Kasahara1, Yuko Komatsu1, Akira Koizumi2
1Center for Infectious Diseases, Nara Medical University, Japan.
Abstract:
Among 641 pneumococcal isolates recovered from 2002 to 2012 in Japan, 19 (3.0%) were serotype 35B. Twelve of the 19 were ST558 (single-locus variant of Utah35B-24-ST377) and seven were ST2755. Continuous monitoring of serotypes and their clonal association is important, especially in Japan where PCV7 was licensed only in 2010.
Insights
Pneumococcal serotype 35B was found in 3.0% of isolates in Japan between 2002-2012. Most were ST558 or ST2755, highlighting the need for ongoing serotype and clonal monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae causes invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Serotype 35B is a rare but significant pneumococcal serotype.
- Vaccine recommendations and epidemiology evolve over time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize pneumococcal serotype 35B isolates in Japan.
- To determine the clonal types associated with serotype 35B.
- To inform ongoing surveillance strategies for pneumococcal disease.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pneumococcal isolates collected from 2002 to 2012.
- Serotyping of isolates to identify serotype 35B.
- Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to determine sequence types (STs).
Main Results:
- 19 out of 641 (3.0%) pneumococcal isolates were identified as serotype 35B.
- Twelve serotype 35B isolates belonged to ST558, a variant of Utah35B-24-ST377.
- Seven serotype 35B isolates were identified as ST2755.
Conclusions:
- Serotype 35B pneumococci were detected in Japan during the study period.
- Specific sequence types, ST558 and ST2755, were associated with serotype 35B.
- Continuous monitoring of pneumococcal serotypes and their clonal associations is crucial, particularly in Japan following the introduction of PCV7.
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