Related Experiment Videos
Host factors and capsular typing of body fluid isolates in fulminant pneumococcal infections
Abstract:
A 10-year retrospective study was made to determine the spectrum of underlying disease in, and the capsular types of pneumococci isolated from, blood and body fluids of 140 hospitalized patients. Fifteen serotypes were found among 82 typed isolates, 53% of which were types 8, 14, or 23. There was a predominance of males and a high incidence of underlying pneumonia, chronic liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and malignancy. Mortality rates were higher among the very young and aged, and the immunologically comprised host at either extreme of life was more susceptible to disseminated pneumococcal infection. Pneumococci of the higher capsular types were prominent in children, and those of the lower types in adults, a finding in agreement with other recent studies.
Insights
This study identified common underlying diseases and pneumococcal serotypes in hospitalized patients. Certain pneumococcal types were more prevalent in children versus adults, impacting infection susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Pneumococcal infections pose a significant public health burden.
- Understanding the spectrum of disease and circulating serotypes is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spectrum of underlying diseases associated with pneumococcal infections.
- To determine the capsular types of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolated from blood and body fluids.
- To analyze the relationship between patient demographics, underlying conditions, and pneumococcal serotypes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 140 hospitalized patients over 10 years.
- Isolation and serotyping of pneumococci from blood and body fluid samples.
- Correlation of isolates with patient clinical data and underlying diseases.
Main Results:
- Fifteen pneumococcal serotypes were identified among 82 typed isolates.
- Serotypes 8, 14, and 23 accounted for 53% of typed isolates.
- Common underlying conditions included pneumonia, chronic liver disease, nephrotic syndrome, cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, and malignancy.
- Higher mortality rates were observed in the very young, aged, and immunocompromised.
- Distinct serotype distributions were noted in children (higher types) versus adults (lower types).
Conclusions:
- Male predominance and specific comorbidities are associated with pneumococcal infections.
- Immunocompromised individuals, particularly the very young and elderly, are at increased risk for severe disease.
- Age-related differences in pneumococcal capsular types highlight potential variations in disease epidemiology.