Absence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in pharyngeal swabs of geriatric inpatients
Nina Jomrich1, Silvia Kellner, Marija Djukic
1From the 1 Department of Geriatrics, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Göttingen-Weende , Göttingen , Germany.
Abstract:
Colonization of the pharynx by Streptococcus pneumoniae was studied in 185 in-hospital geriatric patients (median age 81 years) from 29 March 2011 to 22 June 2011. Swabs were plated on blood agar plates. Colonies with a morphology suggesting S. pneumoniae were further analyzed. Surprisingly, pneumococci were not found in any of the samples. Pneumococci chronically colonizing the pharynx of elderly people may be much rarer than previously thought and probably are not the source of pneumococcal pneumonia in old age.
Insights
Pharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae was unexpectedly absent in 185 elderly patients. This suggests chronic pneumococcal carriage in older adults may be rare and not a primary source for pneumonia.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Geriatric Medicine
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of pneumonia, particularly in the elderly.
- Pharyngeal colonization is considered a prerequisite for pneumococcal disease.
- The prevalence of chronic pharyngeal colonization in geriatric populations is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of pharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae in hospitalized geriatric patients.
- To determine if chronic pneumococcal carriage is a significant factor in pneumococcal pneumonia among the elderly.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 185 geriatric patients (median age 81 years) admitted to the hospital.
- Pharyngeal swabs were collected and cultured on blood agar plates.
- Colonies suggestive of S. pneumoniae underwent further analysis.
Main Results:
- Despite culturing swabs from 185 elderly patients, Streptococcus pneumoniae was not detected in any samples.
- The study found zero instances of pneumococcal colonization in the pharynx of the geriatric cohort.
Conclusions:
- Chronic pharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae appears to be significantly rarer in elderly individuals than previously assumed.
- These findings challenge the long-held belief that persistent pneumococcal carriage in the elderly is a major source of pneumococcal pneumonia in this age group.
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