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Representation of Streptococcus Pneumoniae in Outpatient Population of Sarajevo Canton

Mufida Aljicevic1, Emina Karcic2, Sabaheta Bektas3

  • 1Institute of Microbiology, Medical Faculty, University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Medical Archives (Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
|August 12, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization is common in children under 6, primarily in the nose and throat. This study determined carrier rates in Sarajevo Canton to aid infection prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • *Streptococcus pneumoniae* asymptomatically colonizes the nasopharynx via surface adhesins, with prevalence higher in children.
  • *S. pneumoniae* can cause invasive disease if normal microflora balance is disrupted, leading to otitis media, sinusitis, or pneumonia.
  • Nasopharyngeal carriage is a critical reservoir for pneumococcal transmission and disease.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of *Streptococcus pneumoniae* carriage in the outpatient population of Sarajevo Canton.
  • To assess the susceptibility patterns of circulating pneumococcal strains as potential infection sources.
  • To inform public health strategies for preventing pneumococcal infections.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of 4109 nasal, nasopharyngeal, eye, and ear swabs from outpatients between July 2013 and April 2014.
  • Microbiological culture on blood agar, Gram staining, catalase testing, and Optochin susceptibility testing for *S. pneumoniae* identification.
  • In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing for *S. pneumoniae* isolates.

Main Results:

  • *S. pneumoniae* was detected in 4.38% (180/4109) of analyzed swabs.
  • The most frequent isolation sites were nasal/nasopharyngeal swabs (76.11%), followed by eye (18.33%) and ear (5.56%).
  • Children under 6 years old represented the highest proportion of positive cases (93.33%).

Conclusions:

  • The nose and throat are the primary sites for pneumococcal isolation.
  • Young children (under 6 years) are the most common carriers of *S. pneumoniae*.
  • Understanding carrier prevalence is essential for enhancing preventive measures against pneumococcal infections and their sequelae.
Keywords:
Optochincarriagepneumococcusprevalence

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