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Updated: Mar 24, 2026

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43
Published on: September 11, 2020
[Fatal pneumococcal meningitis due to serotype 19 A: A preventable case?]
Insights
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased in Chile after infant vaccination. However, a fatal case of meningitis caused by a non-vaccine serotype (19A) highlights the need for ongoing surveillance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a significant global health concern.
- Chile incorporated the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10) into its routine infant immunization program (EPI).
- PCV10 introduction led to a decrease in IPD incidence in Chile.
Observation:
- A fatal case of pneumococcal meningitis occurred in a child.
- The causative agent was identified as Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 19A.
- Serotype 19A is not included in the 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine.
Findings:
- This case represents a potential serotype replacement phenomenon, where non-vaccine serotypes may emerge after widespread vaccination.
- The occurrence of IPD due to serotype 19A highlights the limitations of current vaccine formulations in covering all circulating serotypes.
Implications:
- Active surveillance for IPD is crucial to monitor the impact of vaccination programs.
- Understanding the distribution of circulating serotypes and their clinical correlation is essential for public health strategies.
- This case underscores the need for continued research into broader-spectrum pneumococcal vaccines.
Abstract:
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains as an important cause of morbidity in the world and in our country, while in Chile the incidence has decreased after the incorporation of the 10 valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, in the routine infant inmunization schedule (EPI). One of the expected effects of the program after vaccination with 10-valent pneumococcal vaccine is the likely replacement serotype phenomenon that means the presence of ENI caused by serotypes not included in the vaccine. In this context, we present the case of a child with pneumococcal meningitis caused by serotype 19 A of fatal course. The occurrence of ENI in a later stage of pneumococcal vaccine incorporation in Chile reinforces the importance of active surveillance, in order to know in detail the impact of vaccination, distribution of circulating serotypes and their correlation with the different clinical disease and their severity.
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