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Updated: Mar 5, 2026
Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
Published on: February 15, 2013
Surveillance of Australian Hajj pilgrims for carriage of potentially pathogenic bacteria: Data from two pilot studies
Mohammad Irfan Azeem1, Mohamed Tashani1, Al-Mamoon Badahdah1
1Mohammad Irfan Azeem, Mohamed Tashani, Al-Mamoon Badahdah, Leon Heron, Harunor Rashid, Robert Booy, National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance of Vaccine Preventable Diseases, Kids Research Institute, the Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney 2145, Australia.
Aim:
To estimate the pharyngeal carriage rate of Neisseria meningitidis (N. meningitidis), Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) among Australian Hajj pilgrims.
Methods:
In 2014, surveillance was conducted in two phases among Australian Hajj pilgrims: The first phase during Hajj in Mina, and the second phase soon after returning home to Australia. Nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal swabs were taken from participants then tested, firstly by nucleic acid testing, and also by standard culture.
Results:
Of 183 participants recruited in the first phase, 26 (14.2%) tested positive for S. pneumoniae; 4 had received pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13). Only one tested positive for N. meningitidis (W). Of 93 2nd phase samples cultured, 17 (18.3%) grew S. aureus, all methicillin sensitive, 2 (2.2%) grew N. meningitidis (on subculture; one serotype B, one negative), and 1 (1%), from an unvaccinated pilgrim, grew S. pneumoniae.
Conclusion:
Relatively high carriage of S. pneumoniae and little meningococcal carriage was found. This indicates the importance of a larger study for improved infection surveillance and possible vaccine evaluation.
Insights
Australian Hajj pilgrims showed high carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and low carriage of Neisseria meningitidis. Further research is needed for infection surveillance and vaccine evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hajj pilgrimage presents unique risks for infectious disease transmission.
- Understanding the carriage rates of key respiratory pathogens is crucial for pilgrim health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the pharyngeal carriage rates of Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus in Australian Hajj pilgrims.
- To inform infection surveillance and potential vaccination strategies for pilgrims.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase surveillance of Australian Hajj pilgrims in 2014.
- Collection of nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swabs during Hajj and post-return.
- Testing via nucleic acid testing and standard culture.
Main Results:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage was 14.2% during Hajj and 1% post-return.
- Neisseria meningitidis carriage was low (one case during Hajj, two post-return).
- Staphylococcus aureus carriage was 18.3% post-return, all methicillin-sensitive.
Conclusions:
- Significant carriage of S. pneumoniae and minimal carriage of N. meningitidis were observed.
- Findings highlight the need for expanded studies on infection surveillance and vaccine efficacy in pilgrims.
