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Polyvalent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines; a review of the literature
1Department of Immunology, Instituto Adolfo Lutz, São Paulo.
Insights
Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines target common serotypes causing severe infections. While not for general use, they are recommended for high-risk groups like those with HIV to prevent systemic pneumococcal disease.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae causes significant global morbidity and mortality, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- It is a common pathogen responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, and other invasive infections.
- Certain groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with HIV/AIDS, face higher risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the importance of various polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines.
- To discuss the immunological properties of these vaccines in vaccinated individuals.
- To highlight their role in protecting at-risk populations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific studies.
- Analysis of immunological data related to pneumococcal vaccination.
- Evaluation of vaccine efficacy and recommendations for specific populations.
Main Results:
- Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines include polysaccharides from the 23 most prevalent serotypes.
- Recommendations from the CDC do not support general public use.
- Evidence suggests benefits for high-risk individuals, such as those with HIV.
Conclusions:
- Polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines are crucial for specific high-risk populations.
- Understanding their immunological properties is key to optimizing their use.
- Further research may refine recommendations for targeted vaccination strategies.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, mainly in children, elders and individuals with AIDS or AIDS-related complex, being a frequent bacterial cause of pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, bacteremia and meningitis. Polyvalent pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide vaccines contain the 23 most common pneumococcal serotypes causative of pneumococcal infection in several countries. Public Health Service Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) does not recommend the polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine for general public. However, several investigators have recommended its employment for special population at high risk, such as for HIV infection, who can be at enhanced risk for systemic pneumococcal disease. The objective of the present literature review is to relate the importance of studied different types of polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines as well as their immunological properties in the vaccinated people.