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Updated: Aug 16, 2026

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Using the Quellung Reaction
Published on: February 24, 2014
[Pneumococcal serotyping in France. Development (1978-1982) and vaccine covering]
Abstract:
From 09/1977 till 08/1982, 2,449 pneumococcus strains coming from Paris or province hospitals were typed according to the Danish system with antisera from the Copenhagen Statens Serum Institut by counter-immunoelectrophoresis for the first 900 and by capsular swelling afterwards. For the whole, the first 14 types or groups are in order: 19 (348), 6 (261), 23 (231), 3 (205), 1 (158), 14 (104), 9 (103), 18 (94), 7 (82), 11 (82), 15 (82), 4 (74), 8 (63), 10 (55), and make up 79.3% of the whole. For the 687 strains isolated from haemocultures or from cerebrospinal fluids, the first 14 types or groups are in order: 1 (95), 19 (69), 6 (56), 23 (49), 4 (47), 3 (44), 7 (42), 18 (40), 9 (35), 5 (32), 14 (30), 8 (27), 15 (18), 24 (13), and make up 86.9% of these strains. The annual variations for these 687 strains are slight as regards the 14 most frequent groups and types: the type I is always first, except for one year. The definition of serotypes in the groups for 261 strains isolated from cerebrospinal fluids or from haemocultures, in 1981 and 1982, allowed a study of the "vaccinal covering". It is 64.75% for the marketed tetradecavalent vaccine and 82.75% for a 23 valency vaccine defined according to international serotype statements.
Insights
This study analyzed 2,449 pneumococcus strains in France, identifying the most common serotypes. A 23-valent vaccine demonstrated broader coverage against invasive pneumococcal disease strains.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Epidemiology
- Vaccinology
Context:
- Pneumococcal infections pose a significant public health challenge.
- Serotyping is crucial for understanding pathogen epidemiology and vaccine development.
- Data on pneumococcal serotype distribution in France during the late 1970s and early 1980s is essential.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalent Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes in French hospitals between 1977 and 1982.
- To assess the potential vaccine coverage of existing and proposed pneumococcal vaccines.
Summary:
- A total of 2,449 pneumococcus strains were serotyped using the Danish system.
- Serotypes 19, 6, and 23 were the most common overall, while serotypes 1, 19, and 6 predominated in invasive isolates (haemocultures and cerebrospinal fluids).
- Vaccine efficacy analysis indicated 64.75% coverage for a 14-valent vaccine and 82.75% for a 23-valent vaccine against invasive strains.
Impact:
- Provides baseline data on pneumococcal serotype distribution in France, informing public health strategies.
- Highlights the superior coverage of broader valency pneumococcal vaccines.
- Contributes to the understanding of serotype epidemiology and its implications for vaccine impact assessments.
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