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Capsular serotype and antibiotic resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates in two Chilean cities
J Inostroza1, O Trucco, V Prado
1Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Regional de Temuco, Chile.
Insights
Nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae varies significantly between two Chilean cities, Santiago and Temuco. Differences in serotypes and antibiotic resistance highlight the need for localized prevention strategies and vaccine design.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae is a key factor in disease transmission.
- Understanding regional variations in S. pneumoniae epidemiology is crucial for effective public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare S. pneumoniae colonization, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance in Santiago and Temuco, Chile.
- To identify geographic disparities in S. pneumoniae epidemiology within a country.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study comparing nasopharyngeal carriage in children and hospitalized patients.
- Serotyping of S. pneumoniae isolates.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in S. pneumoniae colonization rates were observed between Santiago (42% in 0-2 year olds) and Temuco (14%).
- 41 distinct S. pneumoniae serotypes were identified, with unique serotypes found in each city.
- Antibiotic-resistant serotypes were exclusively detected in Santiago.
Conclusions:
- Geographic variations in S. pneumoniae colonization, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance exist even in populations with similar demographics.
- Findings underscore the importance of localized data for developing targeted prevention strategies, guiding antibiotic use, and informing vaccine development.
Abstract:
We compared the incidence of nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the serotypes causing mucosal and invasive diseases, and the antibiotic resistance of these strains in patients admitted to three large hospitals and children attending day care centers in two Chilean cities (Santiago and Temuco). The populations in both cities were similar in ethnic background, socioeconomic status, family size, and access to medical care. Significant differences in nasopharyngeal colonization rates, in serotypes causing infections, and in antibiotic resistance were found between the two cities. In children 0 to 2 years of age, 42% were colonized with S. pneumoniae in Santiago compared to 14% in Temuco. A total of 41 serotypes were identified in both Chilean cities studied. Six serotypes were found only in Santiago; 14 serotypes were found only in Temuco. Antibiotic-resistant serotypes 6A, 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F were detected only in Santiago. We show that important differences in the incidence of nasopharyngeal carriage, infection, and S. pneumoniae serotypes can exist in similar populations in different areas of the same country. Our findings are relevant for prevention strategies, antibiotic usage, and vaccine design.