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[Pneumococcal meningitis in children in Iceland - case report and summary]
Jens Stensrud1, Oskar Orn Oskarsson1, Helga Erlendsdottir2
1Children´s Hospital, Landspitali, Reykjavik.
Insights
A severe case of pneumococcal meningitis in an infant highlights the need for updated vaccines. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes not covered by the current vaccine caused illness, prompting a change in Iceland
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Bacterial meningitis poses a significant threat to infants.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis.
- Current vaccines may not cover all prevalent disease-causing serotypes.
Abstract:
An eleven month old girl was referred to the pediatric emergency department at Landspitali Hospital due to fever and lethargy. On examination she was acutely ill with fluctuating level of conciousness. She deteriorated quickly after arrival at the emergency department and was diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis. In the past year several cases of bacterial meningitis have been diagnosed with Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most common pathogen. The disease causing serotypes have been serotypes that were not in the vaccine that was used in iceland and the Icelandic health authorities have decided to change the vaccination programme accordingly.
