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Published on: February 23, 2014
Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy (2018-2023)
Romina Camilli1, Sara Giancristofaro1, Stefano Boros1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy.
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence in Italy dropped during COVID-19 but surged afterward, particularly in children. Monitoring IPD dynamics and vaccine impact remains crucial.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is a significant public health concern.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with changes in the epidemiology of various infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the epidemiological and microbiological shifts in IPD in Italy before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To analyze changes in IPD incidence and serotype distribution across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nationwide surveillance data for IPD cases reported between 2018 and 2023 in Italy.
- Analyzed IPD incidence rates and serotype prevalence stratified by age demographics.
Main Results:
- Observed a marked decline in IPD incidence during 2020-2021 across all age groups, most notably in young children and the elderly.
- Documented a resurgence of IPD cases starting in late 2022, with pediatric cases surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Identified specific serotypes driving the post-pandemic increase in children (e.g., 3, 19A, 19F, 10A, 8, 24F) and the elderly (e.g., 3, 8).
Conclusions:
- The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily suppressed IPD incidence, followed by a notable increase, especially in pediatric populations.
- Continuous national surveillance is essential for tracking IPD trends and assessing the effectiveness of vaccination strategies in Italy.
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