Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 29, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Pneumococcal Disease in the Era of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Inci Yildirim1, Kimberly M Shea2, Stephen I Pelton1
1Section of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Maxwell Finland Laboratory for Infectious Diseases, 670 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
Insights
Universal immunization with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has significantly reduced pneumococcal disease in children. New strategies are needed to protect vulnerable children with comorbidities against emerging serotypes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have been widely used for infant and toddler immunization for 15 years.
- Universal immunization programs have demonstrably impacted the incidence of pneumococcal disease globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of universal pneumococcal conjugate vaccine immunization on pediatric pneumococcal disease.
- To identify the need for novel strategies to protect vulnerable pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of published data and epidemiological studies on pneumococcal conjugate vaccine impact.
- Analysis of disease trends in countries with established universal immunization programs.
Main Results:
- Significant reductions in invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, empyema, mastoiditis, and otitis media reported.
- Children with comorbid conditions exhibit higher pneumococcal disease rates and mortality.
Conclusions:
- Universal PCV immunization has been highly effective in reducing pediatric pneumococcal disease burden.
- Addressing host susceptibility and evolving serotype spectrum is crucial for protecting high-risk children.
Abstract:
Universal immunization of infants and toddlers with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines over the last 15 years has dramatically altered the landscape of pneumococcal disease. Decreases in invasive pneumococcal disease, all-cause pneumonia, empyema, mastoiditis, acute otitis media, and complicated otitis media have been reported from multiple countries in which universal immunization has been implemented. Children with comorbid conditions have higher rates of pneumococcal disease and increased case fatality rates compared with otherwise healthy children, and protection for the most vulnerable pediatric patients will require new strategies to address the underlying host susceptibility and the expanded spectrum of serotypes observed.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:14Atypical Pneumonia