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[Serotypes and epidemiological study of pneumococcal infection in 18 provinces (cities) in China]
Abstract:
During the years 1982 to 1985, 482 strains of S. pneumoniae were isolated from 482 patients of pneumococcal diseases in 18 provinces (cities) in China. There were 67 strains from the patients of pneumococcal pneumonia, 169 strains from pneumococcal meningitis and 246 strains from pneumococcal otitis media. Their serotypes and epidemiology were studied with following results. The rate of pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis and otitis media was 14.26 cases, 79.08 cases and 68.14 cases per 1000 homologous disease cases, respectively. Most of the infections occurred at the infants while 73.7% pneumococcal meningitis, 63% otitis media and 40.3% pneumonia were in less than or equal to 3 age group. The mortality of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia was 16.4% and with pneumococcal meningitis was 16%. All of isolates of S. pneumoniae were identified using typing antisera (Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen). The main types were 5, 6, 1, 19, 2 and 14, which accounted for 56.8% (274 strains) of total number of strains. Type 5 was the most main serotype and accounted for 13.3% (63 strains).
Insights
This study identified common Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media in China between 1982-1985. Serotype 5 was most prevalent, particularly in infants, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media globally.
- Understanding the prevalent serotypes and epidemiological patterns of S. pneumoniae is crucial for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the serotypes and epidemiology of S. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with pneumococcal diseases in China.
- To determine the incidence and mortality rates of pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of 482 S. pneumoniae strains from patients across 18 Chinese provinces (1982-1985).
- Serotyping of isolates using typing antisera (Statens Seruminstitut, Copenhagen).
- Analysis of disease incidence, age distribution, and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- The most common serotypes identified were 5, 6, 1, 19, 2, and 14, accounting for 56.8% of isolates. Serotype 5 was the most frequent (13.3%).
- Infections predominantly affected infants, with 73.7% of meningitis, 63% of otitis media, and 40.3% of pneumonia cases occurring in children under 3 years old.
- Mortality rates were 16.4% for pneumococcal pneumonia and 16% for pneumococcal meningitis.
Conclusions:
- Serotypes 5, 6, 1, 19, 2, and 14 were the dominant S. pneumoniae serotypes in China during the study period.
- Infants are a high-risk group for severe pneumococcal infections, emphasizing the importance of early vaccination.
- The findings underscore the need for serotype-specific surveillance and vaccine development tailored to regional epidemiology.