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Invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae in Perth teaching hospitals, 1990 to 1994
V McLaughlin1, T Riley, C Roberts
1Master of Applied Epidemiology Program, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia, otitis media and meningitis. Reports of penicillin resistance and the development of vaccines highlight the need for baseline information about pneumococcal disease in Australia. We surveyed Perth teaching hospital laboratory records for the period 1990 to 1994 for isolates of S. pneumoniae recovered from normally sterile sites, and obtained isolate and patient demographic information. Highest rates of invasive disease were found at the extremes of age and were associated with Aboriginality. Isolates were rarely penicillin resistant. Surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease will be of importance in monitoring the emergence of penicillin resistance and the impact of conjugate vaccines.
Insights
Invasive pneumococcal disease was most common in young and elderly individuals in Perth, Australia. Penicillin resistance was rare in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates during the 1990s.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, otitis media, and meningitis.
- Increasing penicillin resistance and vaccine development necessitate baseline data on pneumococcal disease in Australia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish baseline data on invasive pneumococcal disease in Perth, Australia.
- To analyze patient demographics and isolate characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of Perth teaching hospital laboratory records from 1990-1994.
- Analysis of isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae from normally sterile sites.
- Collection of patient demographic and isolate information.
Main Results:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease rates were highest at the extremes of age (infants and elderly).
- Aboriginality was associated with higher rates of invasive disease.
- Penicillin resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates was infrequent during the study period.
Conclusions:
- Surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease is crucial for monitoring penicillin resistance.
- Baseline data are essential for evaluating the impact of conjugate vaccines.
- Understanding disease patterns informs public health strategies for pneumococcal infections.