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Why is the rate of pneumococcal pneumonia declining?
Carlos M Luna1, Laura Pulido, Diego Burgos
1Pulmonary Diseases Division, Department of Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine
|March 15, 2018
Summary
Streptococcus pneumoniae is now identified in fewer pneumonia cases due to advances in diagnostics, antimicrobial therapy, and widespread vaccination. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have significantly reduced invasive pneumococcal disease across all age groups.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was once the primary cause of pneumonia.
- Its role as a leading etiological agent has significantly diminished over the past century.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the reasons behind the declining incidence of Streptococcus pneumoniae as a cause of pneumonia.
- To review the impact of medical advancements on the prevalence of pneumococcal pneumonia.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical data and current epidemiological trends in pneumonia etiology.
- Analysis of the influence of antimicrobial therapy, diagnostic techniques, and preventive measures.
Main Results:
- Decreased identification of S. pneumoniae in pneumonia cases compared to the early 20th century.
- Advancements include new diagnostic tools (PCR, urinary antigens) and improved antimicrobial treatments.
- Widespread use of pneumococcal vaccines (polysaccharide and conjugate) has been highly effective.
Conclusions:
- The decline in S. pneumoniae's role is multifactorial, driven by medical progress.
- Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have substantially reduced vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease through direct and herd immunity effects.
- Ongoing surveillance and vaccination strategies are crucial for managing pneumococcal disease.
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