Invasive Pneumococcal Infections Among Moroccan Children: Pneumococcal Vaccination Challenges in the Mature Vaccine...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant global morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Serotype replacement remains a challenge despite vaccination, necessitating updated public health strategies for invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD).

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess pneumococcal serotype distribution and antibiotic sensitivity in hospitalized children in Morocco.
• To evaluate the impact of current vaccination coverage on IPD epidemiology in the post-vaccination era.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 74 Streptococcus pneumoniae strains from hospitalized children between 2019 and 2022.
• Assessment of serotype prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, and vaccine coverage (PCV-10, PCV-13).

Main Results:

• Meningitis/meningo-encephalitis was prevalent in 66% of cases, with serotypes 3, 19A, 6B, 14, and 11 being most common.
• PCV-10 and PCV-13 coverage was 20.27% and 56.75%, respectively. 43% of strains were non-vaccine types, with serotypes 3 and 19 contributing significantly to infections.
• Penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP) accounted for 31.3% of strains, predominantly non-vaccine types.

Conclusions:

• IPD remains a significant concern in Moroccan children, with notable challenges from non-vaccine serotypes.
• The efficacy of PCV-13 against prevalent non-vaccine serotypes (3, 19A) requires ongoing evaluation.
• Continuous surveillance and adaptive vaccination strategies are essential to address serotype replacement and improve IPD prevention.