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Serotype Distribution among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates in Puerto Rico
Enid J García-Rivera1, María Del C Sánchez2, Edgar I Miranda3
1Endowed Health Services Research Center, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Health Sciences Journal
|March 17, 2026
Summary
Current Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in Puerto Rico are not fully covered by existing vaccines. This study identified 13 serotypes, with most lacking coverage from PPSV23 and PCV13, highlighting the need for updated vaccines.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae infections cause significant illness and death despite available vaccines.
- Limited data exists on current pneumococcal serotype transmission dynamics in Puerto Rico.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in Puerto Rico.
- To characterize demographic features of patients with pneumococcal isolates.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, laboratory-based observational study conducted in 25 Puerto Rican hospitals (April 2021-July 2023).
- Collected and serotyped S. pneumoniae isolates from sterile and non-sterile sites using Pneumotest-Latex assay and Quellung reaction tests.
Main Results:
- Nineteen S. pneumoniae isolates were analyzed, primarily from blood samples (42.1%) and non-sterile sites (57.9%).
- Most isolates were from male patients (84.2%) with a median age of 67 years.
- Thirteen serotypes were identified, with nine (69.2%) not covered by PCV13 or PPSV23 vaccines.
Conclusions:
- Continuous surveillance is crucial for detecting shifts in pneumococcal serotypes.
- Ongoing vaccination efforts are essential to prevent infections and complications.
- Development of new, higher-valency vaccines is needed for broader serotype coverage.
