[Prevention of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) infections in adults]

Infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) are still meaning a serious health problem, about 40% of community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is due to pneumococcal bacteria in adults requiring hospitalization. The incidence and mortality rate of pneumococcal infections is increasing in the population above 50 years of age. Certain congenital and acquired immunocompromised conditions make the individual susceptible for pneumococcal infection and other chronic comorbidities should be considered as a risk factor as well, such as liver and renal diseases, COPD, diabetes mellitus. Lethality of severe pneumococcal infections with bacteraemia still remains about 12% despite adequate antimicrobial therapy in the past 60 years. Underestimation of pneumococcal infections is mainly due to the low sensitivity of diagnostic tools and underuse of bacteriological laboratory confirmation methods. 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-13) became available recently beyond the 23-valent polysacharide vaccine (PPV-23) which has been using for a long time.The indication and proper administration of the two vaccines are based on international recommendations and vaccination guideline published by National Centre for Epidemiology (NCE):Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for: Every person above 50 years of age. Patients of all ages with chronic diseases who are susceptible for severe pneumococcal infections: respiratory (COPD), heart, renal, liver disease, diabetes, or patients under immunsuppressive treatment. Smokers regardless of age and comorbidities. Cochlear implants, cranial-injured patients. Patients with asplenia.Recommendation for administration of the two different vaccines:Adults who have not been immunized previously against pneumococcal disease must be vaccinated with a dose of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine first. This protection could be extended with administration of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine at least two month later. Adults who have been immunized previously, but above 65 years of age, with a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine are recommended to get one dose of conjugate vaccine at least one year later. Adults who have been immunized previously, but under 65 years of age, with a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine are recommended to get one dose of conjugate vaccine at least one year later. After a minimal interval of two months one dose of 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is recommended if at least 5 years have elapsed since their previous PPSV23 dose. Vaccination of immuncompromised patients (malignancy, transplantation, etc.) and patients with asplenia should be defined by vaccinology specialists. Pneumococcal vaccines may be administered concommitantly or any interval with other vaccines.