Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 1, 2026
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Asthma and the Risk of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease: A Meta-analysis
Jose A Castro-Rodriguez1, Katia Abarca2, Erick Forno3
1Division of Pediatrics, Department of Pediatric Pulmonology and Cardiology and jacastro17@homail.com.
Insights
Children with asthma have a significantly higher risk of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia, even after pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction. Further research is needed on supplemental vaccination strategies for this vulnerable group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia pose significant global health burdens, particularly in children.
- Asthma is a prevalent chronic childhood condition that may increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of IPD or pneumonia in children with asthma post-introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies was conducted.
- Studies included populations vaccinated with PCVs, comparing children with asthma to healthy controls.
- Data on IPD and pneumonia occurrence were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- Five studies met inclusion criteria, with three retrospective cohorts and one case-control study included in the meta-analysis.
- Children with asthma demonstrated a 90% increased odds of IPD compared to healthy controls (OR = 1.90).
- Pneumonia was also more frequent in children with asthma, with costs correlating to asthma severity.
Conclusions:
- Despite PCV vaccination, children with asthma remain at elevated risk for IPD.
- Further research is warranted to determine the necessity of supplemental 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination for children with asthma.
Context:
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumonia are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world, and asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood.
Objective:
To evaluate the risk of IPD or pneumonia among children with asthma after the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs).
Data Sources:
Four electronic databases were searched.
Study Selection:
We selected all cohorts or case-control studies of IPD and pneumonia in populations who already received PCV (largely 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine), but not 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide, in which authors reported data for children with asthma and in which healthy controls were included, without language restriction.
Data Extraction:
Two reviewers independently reviewed all studies. Primary outcomes were occurrence of IPD and pneumonia. Secondary outcomes included mortality, hospital admissions, hospital length of stay, ICU admission, respiratory support, costs, and additional medication use.
Results:
Five studies met inclusion criteria; of those, 3 retrospective cohorts (∼26 million person-years) and 1 case-control study (N = 3294 children) qualified for the meta-analysis. Children with asthma had 90% higher odds of IPD than healthy controls (odds ratio = 1.90; 95% confidence interval = 1.63-2.11; I2 = 1.7%). Pneumonia was also more frequent among children with asthma than among controls, and 1 study reported that pneumonia-associated costs increased by asthma severity.
Limitations:
None of the identified studies had information of asthma therapy or compliance.
Conclusions:
Despite PCV vaccination, children with asthma continue to have a higher risk of IPD than children without asthma. Further research is needed to assess the need for supplemental 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination in children with asthma, regardless of their use of oral steroids.
More Related Videos
09:12Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: