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Published on: February 15, 2013

Pneumococci in nasopharyngeal samples from Filipino children with acute respiratory infections

K S Lankinen1, M Leinonen, T E Tupasi

  • 1Department of Bacterial Respiratory Infections, National Public Health Institute, Helsinki, Finland.

Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|December 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a common cause of pneumonia, was detected in 70% of young Filipino children with respiratory infections. Antimicrobial use reduced bacterial culture success, with types 6, 14, 19, 23, 15, 7, and 11 being most prevalent.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of childhood pneumonia globally.
  • Understanding pneumococcal carriage in young children is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Filipino children under 5 with acute lower respiratory tract infections.
  • To identify common pneumococcal serotypes in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 292 children.
  • Bacterial culture and antigen detection methods (coagglutination, counterimmunoelectrophoresis, latex agglutination) were used.
  • Prevalence was analyzed in 227 eligible samples.

Main Results:

  • Pneumococci were detected in 160 (70%) of eligible samples.
  • Culture was positive in 115 samples; antigen detection was positive in 140 samples.
  • Prior antimicrobial use significantly reduced culture isolation rates.
  • Serotypes 6, 14, 19, 23, 15, 7, and 11 were the most common, accounting for 64% of isolates.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is highly prevalent in young Filipino children with lower respiratory tract infections.
  • Antigen detection offers a valuable alternative to culture, especially when patients have received prior antibiotics.
  • Knowledge of prevalent serotypes can inform vaccine development and public health interventions.

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