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The Ongoing Genetic Adaptation of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Sandra S Richter1, Daniel M Musher2
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA richtes@ccf.org.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 16, 2016
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is adapting to conjugate vaccines, with rising serotype 35B infections and drug-resistant strains emerging. This highlights the limitations of current vaccines targeting the bacterial capsule.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The conjugate vaccine era has seen Streptococcus pneumoniae adapt.
- Increasing incidence of serotype 35B disease is noted.
- A multidrug-resistant clone of Streptococcus pneumoniae has emerged.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the limitations of current pneumococcal vaccines.
- To report on the emergence of a multidrug-resistant clone of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of disease incidence.
- Identification of multidrug-resistant clones.
Main Results:
- Increasing incidence of serotype 35B disease.
- Emergence of a multidrug-resistant clone of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Conclusions:
- Pneumococcal vaccines targeting the polysaccharide capsule have limitations.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae's adaptability poses challenges for vaccination strategies.
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