Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 9, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Pneumococci causing invasive disease in New Zealand, 1987-94: serogroup and serotype coverage and antibiotic

D R Martin1, M S Brett

  • 1ESR:Health Communicable Disease Centre, Porirua.

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|August 9, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Understanding pneumococcal serotypes and antibiotic resistance is crucial for developing effective vaccines. This study analyzed invasive pneumococcal disease in New Zealand, identifying common serotypes and resistance patterns in children and adults.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Vaccinology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine shows limited efficacy in young children, necessitating research into alternative vaccine strategies.
  • Understanding the global distribution of pneumococcal serotypes causing invasive disease is essential for vaccine development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the capsular serogroups and serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease in New Zealand between 1987 and 1994.
  • To analyze the antibiotic resistance patterns of these pneumococcal isolates.

Main Methods:

  • Serogrouping and serotyping of pneumococcal isolates using the Neufeld test and Danish nomenclature.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing performed via agar dilution method according to NCCLS guidelines.

Main Results:

  • 1506 pneumococcal isolates were analyzed, with 39.8% from children (<15 years) and 39% from adults (≥60 years).
  • Serogroups/serotypes 14, 19, 6, 9, 23, 7, 4, and 1 were common across age groups.
  • Serogroups 6 and 18 were significantly associated with children, while serotype 3 was linked to adults. Penicillin resistance was found in 1.4% of isolates, with 14% resistant to at least one antibiotic.

Conclusions:

  • The identified pneumococcal serotypes and antibiotic resistance patterns in New Zealand align with international findings.
  • Continuous surveillance of antibiotic resistances and serotypes causing invasive pneumococcal disease is recommended.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination09:11

Capsular Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Latex Agglutination

Published on: September 24, 2014

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/4306:06

Constructing Mutants in Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae strain 519/43

Published on: September 11, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Development of Antibiotic Resistance01:30

Development of Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a major public health concern that arises when bacteria evolve mechanisms to withstand the effects of antibiotic treatments. This resistance can be intrinsic, acquired through genetic mutations, or transferred between bacteria via horizontal gene transfer. The development of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in treating bacterial infections and necessitates ongoing research to develop new therapeutic strategies.Intrinsic resistance occurs when bacterial...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...