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Serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in the Philippines, 2012-2018
Sonia B Sia1, Marietta L Lagrada1, June M Gayeta1
1Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Manila, Philippines.
Objective:
Data are scarce on the prevailing Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in the Philippines, including the relative antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of these bacteria. This study is designed to fill that gap by describing the serotype distribution and AMR of S. pneumoniae in the Philippines from 2012 to 2018.
Methods:
S. pneumoniae isolates from clinical specimens were collected through the Philippine Department of Health Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2018. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) were performed using conventional and automated methods (Vitek2 Compact Automated Machine). AST for penicillin, erythromycin, co-trimoxazole, ceftriaxone and levofloxacin was done following the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute recommendations. Serotyping was done through slide agglutination following the Denka Seiken slide agglutination method.
Results:
From a total of 307 isolates of S. pneumoniae, 32 serotypes were identified; the most frequently occurring were serotypes 1, 3, 5, 4, 18, 19A, 6B, 15 and 14. Many (n = 113, 36.53%) of the isolates were from those aged £5 years. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) coverage was as follows: PCV7 (32.69%), PCV10 (54.16%) and PCV13 (69.23%). The overall AMR of invasive S. pneumoniae isolates was low. Penicillin-resistant serotypes were 14, 19, 24, 4, 5, 1, 15, 6 and 32.
Discussion:
With the inclusion of PCV13 in the National Immunization Program, continued monitoring of the prevailing serotypes of S. pneumoniae isolates in the Philippines is needed to guide disease and AMR control measures.
Insights
This study identified common Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in the Philippines from 2012-2018, finding low overall antimicrobial resistance. Continued monitoring is recommended to guide control measures.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Limited data exists on Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the Philippines.
- Understanding serotype distribution is crucial for effective disease control and vaccine strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the serotype distribution of S. pneumoniae isolates in the Philippines between 2012 and 2018.
- To determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of these S. pneumoniae isolates.
Main Methods:
- S. pneumoniae isolates were collected from clinical specimens via the Philippine Department of Health Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Program (2012-2018).
- Serotyping was performed using the Denka Seiken slide agglutination method.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) for key antibiotics was conducted following Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.
Main Results:
- A total of 307 S. pneumoniae isolates yielded 32 serotypes, with serotypes 1, 3, 5, 4, 18, 19A, 6B, 15, and 14 being most frequent.
- The majority of isolates (36.53%) were from children aged 5 years or younger.
- Overall AMR was low, though specific serotypes like 14, 19, 24, 4, 5, 1, 15, 6, and 32 showed penicillin resistance.
Conclusions:
- The study provides essential data on S. pneumoniae serotypes and AMR in the Philippines.
- With PCV13 inclusion in the national immunization program, ongoing surveillance is vital.
- Continued monitoring will inform disease and AMR control strategies.
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