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Background At the time of an infant’s initial vaccination at age ∼2 to 3 months, some infants already have maternal antibodies against vaccine antigens and these can suppress the immune response to vaccination. Modelling the effects of maternal antibody and the timing of infant doses on the antibody response to vaccination, requires estimates of the rate of maternal antibody decay. Decay rates are not well characterised in the medical literature. We investigated variation in the prevalence of maternal anti-capsular pneumococcal and meningococcal antibodies in infants in 14 countries, and estimated type-specific half-lives. Methods Individual participant serological data were obtained from clinical trials. Half-lives were estimated from antibody concentrations in infants who did not receive meningococcal or pneumococcal vaccines. Results The seroprevalence of maternal pneumococcal antibodies was highest for serotypes 14, and 19F (92% and 80% respectively) and lowest for serotypes 4 and 1 (30% and 34% respectively). Half-life estimates ranged from 38.7 days (95% CI 36.6–41.0) for serotype 6B, to 48.3 days (95% CI 46.7–50.2) for serotype 5. The overall half-life was 42.6 days (95% CI 41.5–43.7). Seroprevalence was highest in Mali, Nigeria, India, and the Philippines, (all >65%) and lowest in the Czech Republic and Finland (both <45%). In studies of meningococcal vaccines, seroprevalence was 13% for group C (half-life 39.8 days, 95% CI 33.4–49.4) and 43% for group A (half-life 43.1 days 95% CI 39.8–47.2). Conclusion Substantial proportions of infants in many countries have antibodies to vaccine serotypes of pneumococcus, however fewer infants have maternally acquired antibodies to groups A and C meningococcus. Passively-acquired antibodies to capsular polysaccharides decay with a half-life of approximately 6 weeks. These estimates are useful for modelling the impact of proposed vaccination programmes, and consideration of schedules with a delayed start. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections continue to remain associated with high morbidity and mortality. Although the incidence of invasive meningeal and/or lung disease are not uncommon, Streptococcus pneumoniae endocarditis is rare especially in healthy pediatric population. New studies have suggested a strong association between factor V leiden (FVL) mutation and favorable outcomes in critically ill children. A healthy 10 month old presented with sepsis and meningeal signs, was later confirmed to have Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis and endocarditis. She was found to have factor V leiden mutation and made a complete recovery despite initial complications.Conclusion: Presence of factor V leiden mutation in critically ill children with severe septicaemia possibly contributes to better outcomes. What is known: • Mortality and morbidity remain high with invasive pneumococcal disease. • Pneumococcal endocarditis is rare in healthy pediatric population and results in significant morbidity and mortality What is new: • New studies have suggested a strong association between factor V leiden (FVL) mutation and favorable outcomes in critically ill children. • The presence of factor V mutation in children with extensive invasive pneumococcal disease possibly contributes to a better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IgG2 is the most efficient subclass for providing protection against pneumococcal pathogens. We hypothesised that some individuals may be unable to mount an effective pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) IgG2 response despite having a normal PCP IgG concentration (PCP IgG2 deficient). The median pre-vaccination PCP IgG2 concentration was significantly lower in individuals referred for immunological investigation compared to healthy controls (2.8 mg/L range, 95% CI 1.1-88 vs. 29.5mg/L, 95% CI 13.5-90, p = 0.0002). PCP IgG:IgG2 ratios were significantly higher for the referral population than for healthy controls suggesting the increased production of PCP specific subclasses other than IgG2. The percentage of individuals with PCP IgG2 deficiency was significantly higher in referral groups compared to controls (31% vs. 5%; p = 0.0009) and in an individual with PCP IgG2 deficiency, the balance of PCP specific IgG subclass antibodies post vaccination changed from IgG2>IgG1>IgG3>IgG4 to IgG1>IgG3>IgG2>IgG4. The median PCP IgG2 concentration in those with PCP IgG2 deficiency was significantly lower in the referral groups compared to controls (7.8 mg/L, 95% CI 1.1-12 vs. 12.7 mg/L, 95% CI 11.8-13.1; p = 0.006). The data suggests a defect in the production PCP IgG2 may be present in individuals with normal PCP IgG referred for immunological investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The response to pneumococcal vaccination is assessed by measurement of antigen specific IgG only and is compromised in a number of antibody deficiencies. Wemeasured the concentrations of Pneumococcal IgA and IgM in individuals with both normal and abnormal pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) IgG concentrations. A higher number of individuals had abnormal prevaccination IgA and IgM concentrations below the lower limit of the normal range compared to the control group. Post vaccination a lower number of individuals had IgA and IgM concentrations below the upper limit of the normal range compared to the control group. Non responders had a higher percentage of individuals with a prior history of infection. In addition, individuals with a history of prior infection had lower pre- and post-vaccination concentrations of PCP IgG, IgA, and IgM. Post-vaccination IgA and IgM concentrations identified four groups of responses which correlated with prior history of infection. A higher percentage of individuals with abnormal PCP IgA and IgM concentrations had a history of prior infection compared to the percentage of individuals with normal concentrations. In individuals with an antibody deficiency, measurement of Pneumococcal IgA and IgM correlates with the number of individuals with prior history of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) has been funded under the Australia National Immunisation Program (NIP) since January 2005 for those aged >65 years and other risk groups. In 2016, PCV13 was accepted by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) as a replacement for a single dose of PPV23 in older Australian adults. Methods A single-cohort deterministic multi-compartment (Markov) model was developed describing the transition of the population between different invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal disease related health states. We applied a healthcare system perspective with costs (Australian dollars, A$) and health effects (measured in quality adjusted life-years, QALYs) attached to model states and discounted at 5% annually. We explored replacement of PPV23 with PCV13 at 65 years as well as other age based vaccination strategies. Parameter uncertainty was explored using deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. Results In a single cohort, we estimated PCV13 vaccination at the age of 65 years to cost ∼A$11,120,000 and prevent 39 hospitalisations and 6 deaths from invasive pneumococcal disease and 180 hospitalisations and 10 deaths from community acquired pneumonia. The PCV13 program had an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ∼A$88,100 per QALY gained when compared to a no-vaccination, whereas PPV23 was ∼A$297,200 per QALY gained. To fall under a cost-effectiveness threshold of A$60,000 per QALY, PCV13 would have to be priced below ∼A$46 per dose. The cost-effectiveness of PCV13 in comparison to PPV23 was ∼A$35,300 per QALY gained. Conclusion In comparison to no-vaccination, we found PCV13 use in those aged 65 years was unlikely to be cost-effective unless the vaccine price was below A$46 or a longer duration of protection can be established. However, we found that in comparison to the PPV23, vaccination with PCV13 was cost-effective. This partly reflects the poor value for money estimated for PPV23 use in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Pneumococcal community acquired pneumonia (CAP Spn ) and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although childhood immunization programs have reduced the overall burden of pneumococcal disease, there is insufficient data in Canada to inform immunization policy in immunocompetent adults. This study aimed to describe clinical outcomes of pneumococcal disease in hospitalized Canadian adults, and determine the proportion of cases caused by vaccine-preventable serotypes. Methods Active surveillance for CAP Spn and IPD in hospitalized adults was performed in hospitals across five Canadian provinces from December 2010 to 2013. CAP Spn were identified using sputum culture, blood culture, a commercial pan-pneumococcal urine antigen detection (UAD), or a serotype-specific UAD. The serotype distribution was characterized using Quellung reaction, and PCR-based serotyping on cultured isolates, or using a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) serotype-specific UAD assay. Results and conclusions In total, 4769 all-cause CAP cases and 81 cases of IPD (non-CAP) were identified. Of the 4769 all-cause CAP cases, a laboratory test for S. pneumoniae was performed in 3851, identifying 14.3% as CAP Spn . Of CAP cases among whom all four diagnostic test were performed, S. pneumoniae was identified in 23.2% (144/621). CAP Spn cases increased with age and the disease burden of illness was evident in terms of requirement for mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit admission, and 30-day mortality. Of serotypeable CAP Spn or IPD results, predominance for serotypes 3, 7F, 19A, and 22F was observed. The proportion of hospitalized CAP cases caused by a PCV13-type S. pneumoniae ranged between 7.0% and 14.8% among cases with at least one test for S. pneumoniae performed or in whom all four diagnostic tests were performed, respectively. Overall, vaccine-preventable pneumococcal CAP and IPD were shown to be significant causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized Canadian adults in the three years following infant PCV13 immunization programs in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives:We studied if patients surviving hospitalization for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) have an increased long-term mortality. Methods:In this population-based case-control study, we assessed adults discharged from Aker University Hospital in Oslo, Norway, from 1993 to 2008 after surviving IPD. Mortality among the study population was compared to the general Norwegian population using standardized mortality ratios (SMR). Median follow-up time was 7.2 years (range 5 days to 21.1 years). Associated factors were also investigated. Results:We assessed 372 patients of whom 184 patients died during the observation period. Mortality was increased for 10 years after surviving hospitalization for IPD. Patients aged 18–64 years had a one-year SMR of 18.8 (95% CI: 10.0–32.1) and a 10-year SMR of 6·0 (95% CI: 4.4–8.0). SMR for the first five years among patients with and without underlying conditions were 10.7 (95% CI: 7.0–15.5) and 2.8 (95% CI: 0.9–6.4), respectively. Patients older than 65 years had a one-year SMR of 1·8 (95% CI: 1.2–2.7) and a 10-year SMR of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4–1.9). Conclusions:Patients surviving IPD had an increased long-term mortality compared to the general population. This was particularly pronounced in patients with known underlying conditions. These findings suggest that IPD is a negative prognostic marker, and that a closer follow-up of patients who have suffered IPD is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

vaccination upon hospital admission and to evaluate the results. Methods: Patients admitted to a small community hospital who qualified to receive pneumococcal polysaccharide or influenza vaccination but declined upon admission were educated in person by pharmacists or pharmacy interns and reoffered vaccination. Patient education sheets were provided. Data were obtained via pharmacy intervention documentation in the pharmacy order entry system. Staff documented the outcome of counseling for each patient. Results: A total of 214 and 83 patients receiving influenza and pneumococcal vaccination counseling, respectively, were evaluated. As a result, 23.4% (P = .06) and 26.5% (n = 83, P = .18) of patients agreed to receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, respectively. An unanticipated subset of patients were undecided after counseling and wanted to consider the information further before making a final decision. Taken together with those who consented to receive the vaccine after counseling, 39.2% (P = .001) and 45.8% (P = .01) of patients were influenced by the influenza and pneumococcal vaccination counseling, respectively. Conclusion: Patient education performed by a pharmacist or pharmacy intern showed a trend toward increased pneumococcal and influenza vaccination acceptance rates for inpatients who had initially declined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: the inclusion of new vaccines in public calendars could enhance population's interest, which could lead to increased vaccination coverage. Objective: the objective of this study was to correlate the Amplified Immunization Program coverage in Táchira State from 2008 to 2014 with the introduction of the pneumococcal vaccine in 2009. Methods: This was a clinical, epidemiological, observational, retrospective, and co relational study. Correlation between inter-annual growth coverage of vaccines administered from 2 - 12 months of age during de period 2008 to 2014 with the introduction of the anti Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in 2009 was studied. Results: sustained and uniform increase of vaccine coverage was observed from 2009 until 2012. Pneumococcal vaccine coverage was inconsistent during the study period. there was a moderate correlation with no statistic significance between the administration of conjugate pneumococcal vaccine and the increase in other vaccines coverage. From 2012 and 2014 a decline in coverage was observed for all vaccines with the exception of MMR. conclusion: the global vaccination coverage of the Amplified Immunization Program showed a coincidental increase with the introduction of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine until 2012, although no causal association could be demonstrated. From 2012 a decline in coverage was observed for all vaccines with the exception of MMR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The human immune system is a tightly regulated network that protects the host from disease. An important aspect of this is the balance between pro-inflammatory Th17 cells and anti-inflammatory T regulatory (Treg) cells in maintaining immune homeostasis. Foxp3+ Treg are critical for sustaining immune tolerance through IL-10 and transforming growth factor-β while related orphan receptor-γt+ Th17 cells promote immunopathology and auto-inflammatory diseases through the actions of IL-17A, IL-21 and IL-22. Therefore, imbalance between Treg and Th17 cells can result in serious pathology in many organs and tissues. Recently, certain IL-17-producing cells have been found to be protective against infectious disease, particularly in relation to extracellular bacteria such Streptococcus pneumoniae; a number of other novel IL-17-secreting cell populations have also been reported to protect against a variety of other pathogens. In this mini-review, the dual roles of Treg and Th17 cells are discussed in the context of autoimmunity and infections, highlighting recent advances in the field. Development of novel strategies specifically designed to target these critical immune response pathways will become increasingly important in maintenance of human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The production of reference materials for quantifying pneumococcal antibody concentrations relies upon large scale vaccination. An alternative simple, reproducible protocol has been developed for the affinity purification of 23 serotype anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide (PCP) IgG immunoglobulins. Design & Methods The purification protocol utilised IgG fractionation, capsular polysaccharide (CPS) adsorption, and affinity chromatography using Pneumovax®-Sepharose. Purification efficiency and method reproducibility were assessed by comparison of 4 batches of anti-PCP IgG. Immunoglobulin composition was determined using nephelometry and functionality was evaluated using VaccZyme™ ELISAs. Results Anti-PCP IgG preparations were ≥ 95% pure by SDS-PAGE analysis with no contaminating IgA or IgM immunoglobulins or IgG antigen specific antibodies towards haemophilus influenzae b , diphtheria toxoid or tetanus toxoid. The predominant IgG subclass in the preparation was IgG2. Conclusions This novel purification procedure produced highly specific anti-PCP IgG preparations that compared well to both Lot 89SF and 007sp international serum standards and could be used as an alternative method for the production of reference materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease treated with dialysis. Current vaccination schedules recommend pneumococcal vaccination. However, this schedule disregards findings of rapid titer decline in adult hemodialysis patients after 12 months., Objective: The primary objective is to compare pneumonia rates between recently vaccinated patients and patients vaccinated more than 2 years ago. As an exploratory objective, antipneumococcal antibody titers in hemodialysis patients will be determined as a function. Factors influencing antibody kinetics will be identified., Methods: Within this prospective multicenter study, we aim to compare 2 strata of vaccinated patients: those recently vaccinated and those vaccinated more than 2 years ago. A total of 792 patients will be enrolled. Twelve partner sites (within the German Centre for Infection Research [DZIF]) with allocated dialysis practices participate in this study. All dialysis patients who are vaccinated against pneumococcal infection in accordance with Robert Koch Institute guidelines prior to enrollment will be eligible. Data on baseline demographics, vaccination history, and underlying disease will be assessed. Pneumococcal antibody titers will be determined at baseline and every 3 months for 2 years. DZIF clinical trial units coordinate titer assessment schedules and actively follow-up on study patients for 2-5 years after enrollment, including validation of end points of hospitalization, pneumonia, and death., Results: The study has enrolled 792 patients and the last follow-up has been completed. Currently, the statistical and laboratory analyses are ongoing., Conclusions: Results will increase physician adherence to current recommendations. Establishing a framework for the efficient evaluation of guideline recommendations through a combination of routine and study data will inform the evidence base for future guidelines., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03350425; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03350425., International Registered Report Identifier (irrid): DERR1-10.2196/45712., (©Sibylle Mellinghoff, Gero von Gersdorff, Caroline Bruns, Kerstin Albus, Vassiliki Dimitriou, Angela Steinbach, Mathias Schaller, Jörg Janne Vehreschild, Oliver A Cornely, Blasius Janusch Liss. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (https://www.researchprotocols.org), 12.07.2023.)

Background: Respiratory viruses might influence Streptococcus pneumoniae nasal carriage and subsequent disease risk. We estimated the association between common respiratory viruses and semiquantitative S. pneumoniae nasal carriage density in a household setting before and during the COVID-19 pandemic., Methods: From November 2019-June 2021, we enrolled participants in a remote household surveillance study of respiratory pathogens. Participants submitted weekly reports of acute respiratory illness (ARI) symptoms. Mid-turbinate or anterior nasal swabs were self-collected at enrollment, when ARI occurred, and, in the second year of the study only, from household contacts after SARS-CoV-2 was detected in a household member. Specimens were tested using multiplex reverse-transcription PCR for respiratory pathogens, including S. pneumoniae , rhinovirus, adenovirus, common human coronavirus, influenza A/B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) A/B, human metapneumovirus, enterovirus, and human parainfluenza virus. We estimated differences in semiquantitative S. pneumoniae nasal carriage density, estimated by the inverse of S. pneumoniae relative cycle threshold (Crt) values, with and without viral detection for any virus and for specific respiratory viruses using linear generalized estimating equations of S. pneumoniae Crt values on virus detection adjusted for age and swab type and accounting for clustering of swabs within households., Results: We collected 346 swabs from 239 individuals in 151 households that tested positive for S. pneumoniae ( n  = 157 with and 189 without ≥1 viruses co-detected). Difficulty breathing, cough, and runny nose were more commonly reported among individuals with specimens with viral co-detection compared to without (15%, 80% and 93% vs. 8%, 57%, and 51%, respectively) and ear pain and headache were less commonly reported (3% and 26% vs. 16% and 41%, respectively). For specific viruses among all ages, semiquantitative S. pneumoniae nasal carriage density was greater with viral co-detection for enterovirus, RSV A/B, adenovirus, rhinovirus, and common human coronavirus ( P  < 0.01 for each). When stratified by age, semiquantitative S. pneumoniae nasal carriage density was significantly greater with viral co-detection among children aged <5 ( P  = 0.002) and 5-17 years ( P  = 0.005), but not among adults aged 18-64 years ( P  = 0.29)., Conclusion: Detection of common respiratory viruses was associated with greater concurrent S. pneumoniae semiquantitative nasal carriage density in a household setting among children, but not adults., Competing Interests: HC reports consulting with Ellume, Merck, Abbvie, Pfizer, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. She has received research funding from Sanofi Pasteur, and support and reagents from Ellume and Cepheid outside of the submitted work. JE reports consulting with Ark Biopharmaceuticals, Sanofi Pasteur, Moderna, Meissa Vaccines, Astra Zeneca, and Pfizer, Inc. outside of the submitted work, and has received research funding from AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2023 Bennett, Emanuels, Heimonen, O'Hanlon, Hughes, Han, Chow, Ogokeh, Rolfes, Lockwood, Pfau, Uyeki, Shendure, Hoag, Fay, Lee, Sibley, Rogers, Starita, Englund and Chu.)

We evaluated 52 different E. coli expressed pneumococcal proteins as immunogens in a BALB/c mouse model of S. pneumoniae lung infection. Proteins were selected based on genetic conservation across disease-causing serotypes and bioinformatic prediction of antibody binding to the target antigen. Seven proteins induced protective responses, in terms of reduced lung burdens of the serotype 3 pneumococci. Three of the protective proteins were histidine triad protein family members (PhtB, PhtD and PhtE). Four other proteins, all bearing LPXTG linkage domains, also had activity in this model (PrtA, NanA, PavB and Eng). PrtA, NanA and Eng were also protective in a CBA/N mouse model of lethal pneumococcal infection. Despite data inferring widespread genomic conservation, flow-cytometer based antisera binding studies confirmed variable levels of antigen expression across a panel of pneumococcal serotypes. Finally, BALB/c mice were immunized and intranasally challenged with a viulent serotype 8 strain, to help understand the breadth of protection. Those mouse studies reaffirmed the effectiveness of the histidine triad protein grouping and a single LPXTG protein, PrtA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin D induces a diverse range of biological effects, including important functions in bone health, calcium homeostasis and, more recently, on immune function. The role of vitamin D during infection is of particular interest given data from epidemiological studies suggesting that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of infection. Vitamin D has diverse immunomodulatory functions, although its role during bacterial infection remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3, the active metabolite of vitamin D, on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified immune cell subsets isolated from healthy adults following stimulation with the bacterial ligands heat-killed pneumococcal serotype 19F (HK19F) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS).We found that 1,25(OH)2D3 significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β as well as the chemokine IL-8 for both ligands (three- to 53-fold), while anti-inflammatory IL-10 was increased (two-fold, p = 0.016) in HK19F-stimulated monocytes. Levels of HK19F-specific IFN-γ were significantly higher (11.7-fold, p = 0.038) in vitamin D-insufficient adults (<50 nmol/L) compared to sufficient adults (>50 nmol/L). Vitamin D also shifted the pro-inflammatory/anti-inflammatory balance towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and increased the CD14 expression on monocytes (p = 0.008) in response to LPS but not HK19F stimulation. These results suggest that 1,25(OH)2D3 may be an important regulator of the inflammatory response and supports further in vivo and clinical studies to confirm the potential benefits of vitamin D in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are particularly susceptible to pneumococcal infection. Administration of the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine which is now available in Nigeria may help to reduce the incidence. Objectives: To determine the serum level of pneumococcal-specific IgG (PIgG) in a cohort of patients with SCD after administration of a single-dose of a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Methods: The study was conducted between December 2011 and March 2012 among children with SCD aged 5 months to 5 years attending the sickle cell clinic in five public hospitals in Lagos. Altogether, 151 children with SCD and 52 without it (controls) were recruited by convenience sampling from the sickle cell clinics and well-child clinics. Blood samples were collected for PIgG concentrations before and 2 months after a single dose of the Prevenar 13 vaccine. Seroconversion was defined as a fourfold or greater increase in antibody concentration after vaccination while those with PIgG concentrations ≥200 μU/ml were considered to have protective levels. Results: The age range of the total study group was 5–60 months with a mean (SD) of 39.04 (15.44) months and a median of 39 months. The mean (SD) ages of subjects with and without SCD were 38.91 (15.75) months and 16.39 (15.45) months, respectively. The PIgG concentration 2 months post-vaccination was significantly greater than the pre-vaccination levels in all age categories in both groups and almost all subjects had protective PIgG concentrations 2 months after vaccination. A four-fold increase in PIgG concentration was detected more commonly in the controls than in SCD patients. Conclusion: Prevenar 13 provided protective immunity in all vaccinated children but those under 2 years of age who had non-protective levels pre-vaccination benefited the most. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a pneumococcal disease outbreak in a pediatric psychiatric unit in a hospital in Rhode Island, USA, 6 (30%) of 20 patients and staff were colonized with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 15A, which is not included in pneumococcal vaccines. The outbreak subsided after implementation of antimicrobial drug prophylaxis and enhanced infection control measures.

We conducted a systematic investigation of pneumococcal co-infection in patients with a diagnosis of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and any risk factor for complications or with severity criteria. We found 14% prevalence, with one third of patients having nonpneumonic infections. A severity assessment score >1 and high C-reactive protein levels were predictors of pneumococcal co-infection.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate hospitalization rates for pneumococcal disease based on the Brazilian Hospital Information System (SIH). METHODS: Descriptive study based on the Hospital Information System of Brazilian National Health System data from January 2004 to December 2006: number of hospitalizations and deaths for pneumococcal meningitis, pneumococcal sepsis, pneumococcal pneumonia and Streptococcus pneumoniae as the cause of diseases reported in Brazil. Data from the 2003 Brazilian National Household Survey were used to estimate events in the private sector. Pneumococcal meningitis cases and deaths reported to the Notifiable Diseases Information System during the study period were also analyzed. RESULTS: Pneumococcal disease accounted for 34,217 hospitalizations in the Brazilian National Health System (0.1% of all hospitalizations in the public sector). Pneumococcal pneumonia accounted for 64.8% of these hospitalizations. The age distribution of the estimated hospitalization rates for pneumococcal disease showed a "U"-shape curve with the highest rates seen in children under one (110 to 136.9 per 100,000 children annually). The highest hospital case-fatality rates were seen among the elderly, and for sepsis and meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: PD is a major public health problem in Brazil. The analysis based on the SIH can provide an important input to pneumococcal disease surveillance and the impact assessment of immunization programs.OBJETIVO: Estimar las hospitalizaciones por enfermedad neumocócica con base en datos del Sistema de Informaciones Hospitalarias (SIH). MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo con base en datos del SIH de enero de 2004 a diciembre de 2006: números de hospitalizaciones y muertes por meningitis neumocócica, sepsis neumocócica, neumonía neumocócica y Streptococcus pneumoniae como causa de enfermedades ocurridas en Brasil. Datos de la Investigación Nacional por Muestras de Domicilios 2003 fueron utilizados para el sector privado. Casos y muertes por meningitis neumocócica notificados en el Sistema Nacional de Agravios de Notificación en el mismo período también fueron analizados. RESULTADOS: La enfermedad neumocócica fue responsable por 34.217 hospitalizaciones en el Sistema Único de Salud, (0,1% de todas las hospitalizaciones). Neumonía neumocócica fue responsable por 64,8% de tales hospitalizaciones. La distribución de las estimaciones de hospitalizaciones según grupo etáreo mostró curva en "U", con mayor frecuencia entre niños < 1 año (110-136,9/100.000 niños/año). La letalidad hospitalaria fue más alta entre ancianos, y entre casos de meningitis y sepsis. CONCLUSIONES: Enfermedad neumocócica es importante problema de salud pública en Brasil. Análisis basado en el SIH puede contribuir para la vigilancia epidemiológica de la enfermedad neumocócica y para la evaluación del impacto del programa de vacunación.OBJETIVO: Estimar as hospitalizações por doença pneumocócica com base em dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares (SIH). MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com base em dados do SIH de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2006: números de hospitalizações e mortes por meningite pneumocócica, sepse pneumocócica, pneumonia pneumocócicca e Streptococcus pneumoniae como causa de doenças ocorridas no Brasil. Dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostras de Domicílios 2003 foram utilizados para o setor privado. Casos e mortes por meningite pneumocócica notificados no Sistema Nacional de Agravos de Notificação no mesmo período também foram analisados. RESULTADOS: A doença pneumocócica foi responsável por 34.217 hospitalizações no Sistema Único de Saúde (0,1% de todas as hospitalizações). Pneumonia pneumocócica foi responsável por 64,8% dessas hospitalizações. A distribuição das estimativas de hospitalizações segundo faixa etária mostrou curva em "U", com maior freqüência entre crianças < 1 ano (110-136,9/100.000 crianças/ano). A letalidade hospitalar foi mais alta entre idosos, e entre casos de meningite e sepse. CONCLUSÕES: Doença pneumocócica é importante problema de saúde pública no Brasil. Análise baseada no SIH pode contribuir para a vigilância epidemiológica da doença pneumocócica e para a avaliação do impacto do programa de vacinação.

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented to contain SARS-CoV-2 have decreased invasive pneumococcal disease. Previous studies have proposed the decline is due to reduced pneumococcal transmission or suppression of respiratory viruses, but the mechanism remains unclear. We undertook a secondary analysis of data collected from a clinical trial to evaluate the impact of NPIs on pneumococcal carriage and density, drivers of transmission and disease, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Nasopharyngeal samples from children aged 24 months were assessed in three periods - one pre-COVID-19 period ( n  = 1,537) and two periods where NPIs were implemented with increasing stringency (NPI period 1 [NPI-1, n  = 307], and NPI period 2 [NPI-2, n  = 262]). Pneumococci were quantified using lytA quantitative PCR and serotyped by DNA microarray. Overall, capsular, and nonencapsulated pneumococcal carriage and density were assessed in each NPI period compared with the pre-COVID-19 period using unadjusted log-binomial and linear regression. Pneumococcal carriage was generally stable after the implementation of NPIs. In contrast, overall pneumococcal carriage density decreased by 0.44 log 10 genome equivalents/mL (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.19 to 0.69) in NPI-1 and by 0.84 log 10 genome equivalents/mL (95% CI: 0.55 to 1.13) in NPI-2 compared with the pre-COVID-19 period. Reductions in overall pneumococcal density were driven by reductions in capsular pneumococci, with no corresponding reduction in nonencapsulated density. As higher pneumococcal density is a risk factor for disease, the decline in density provides a plausible explanation for the reductions in invasive pneumococcal disease that have been observed in many countries in the absence of a substantive reduction in pneumococcal carriage. IMPORTANCE The pneumococcus is a major cause of mortality globally. Implementation of NPIs during the COVID-19 pandemic led to reductions in invasive pneumococcal disease in many countries. However, no studies have conducted a fully quantitative assessment on the impact of NPIs on pneumococcal carriage density, which could explain this reduction. We evaluated the impact of COVID-19 NPIs on pneumococcal carriage prevalence and density in 2,106 children aged 24 months in Vietnam and found pneumococcal carriage density decreased up to 91.5% after NPI introduction compared with the pre-COVID-19 period, which was mainly attributed to capsular pneumococci. Only a minor effect on carriage prevalence was observed. As respiratory viruses are known to increase pneumococcal carriage density, transmission, and disease, this work suggests that interventions targeting respiratory viruses may have the added benefit of reducing invasive pneumococcal disease and explain the reductions observed following NPI implementation.

Keywords: Pneumococcal; PCV; systematic review; invasive pneumococcal disease; vaccine failures EN Pneumococcal PCV systematic review invasive pneumococcal disease vaccine failures 1931 1931 1 12/06/22 20221201 NES 221201 We thank our colleagues for the interest in our manuscript [[1]] on invasive pneumococcal disease vaccine failures and breakthrough with higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in children. We would ask the editor to agree with the following correction in the text of the manuscript: I Reduced serotype-specific antibody responses have been observed at higher CPS and higher carrier doses [68]. [Extracted from the article]

OBJETIVO: Estudar a ocorrência de eventos adversos após aplicação da vacina polissacarídea capsular contra 23 sorotipos do pneumococo em indivíduos com indicação clínica, em Sumaré (SP) (630.000 habitantes). MÉTODOS: Foram investigados prospectivamente 152 indivíduos após vacinação (0,5 mL intramuscular Pneumo23® Aventis Pasteur, Espanha) em um hospital geral. A variável de estudo foi a queixa de pelo menos um sintoma com nexo temporal com a vacina, isto é, nas primeiras 48 h após a aplicação. Os indivíduos foram investigados de cinco a sete dias após a vacinação. As co-variáveis idade, sexo e indicação clínica foram testadas pelo método Qui-quadrado e pelo modelo logístico múltiplo, considerando-se o nível de significância de 5%. RESULTADOS: A idade da população variou de cinco a 86 anos (média de 61,8 anos). A quase totalidade dos indivíduos recebeu a primeira dose na ocasião (99%). Notificou-se a ocorrência de eventos locais em 36 indivíduos (23,7%), entre os quais 68% foram leves, sem repercussão nas atividades diárias. A dor no local da aplicação foi o sintoma mais freqüentemente relatado, por 97,2% dos indivíduos. Eritema e edema local estiveram presentes em 6,3% e 5,1% dos casos, respectivamente. Foram referidos sintomas gerais por 12,8% dos investigados (mal-estar, febre, sonolência, dor no corpo). Nenhuma co-variável relacionou-se estatisticamente com os eventos adversos na análise bivariada (p > 0,20), sendo que a análise múltipla mostrou os mesmos resultados. CONCLUSÃO: A vacina pneumocócica 23-valente é pouco reatogênica na primeira dose, e é ainda pouco indicada na região, mesmo em pacientes de indicação clínica.OBJECTIVE: To study the occurrence of adverse events after administration of a capsular polysaccharide vaccine against 23 pneumococcal serotypes in individuals for whom such vaccination is indicated. METHODS: This was a prospective study, conducted in a general hospital in the city of Sumaré, in which 152 individuals were evaluated after intramuscular vaccination with 0.5 mL of the Pneumo 23® vaccine. The study variable was subject complaint of at least one symptom forming a temporal nexus with the vaccine (appearing within 48 h after its administration). The subjects were evaluated at five to seven days after vaccination. The covariables age, gender and clinical profile were tested using the chi-square test and multiple logistic regression, with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: The age of the population ranged from 5 to 86 years (mean, 61.8 years). For nearly all (99%) of the subjects, the vaccination evaluated was their first dose of the vaccine. Events occurring at the injection site were reported in 36 subjects (23.7%). Of those 36 events, 24 (68%) were mild and had no repercussions for the daily activities of the subjects. Pain at the site of the injection was the most common symptom, being reported by 97.2% of the subjects. Erythema and localized edema were found in 6.3% and 5.1% of the subjects, respectively. Of the subjects evaluated, 12.8% reported general symptoms (malaise, fever, sleepiness and generalized pain). In the bivariate analysis, none of the covariables were found to present a statistically significant correlation with adverse events (p > 0.20). The same held true in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Although, the 23-valent pneumococcal vaccine provokes few reactions in the first dose, it is still rarely recommended in the region, even for patients at risk.

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae cause morbidity and mortality in infants and younger children. Because of high prevalence of penicillin resistance, rapid and reliable diagnostic techniques for penicillin non-susceptible S. pneumoniae (PNSSP) are important for prevention and treatment. We investigated the association of the restriction length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns for pbp2b to distinguish between penicillin susceptible and resistant S. pneumoniae isolates. Methods: In this study, a total of 70 pneumococcal isolates were collected from different clinical sources. MIC of these isolates was determined and pbp2b gene was amplified by PCR and they were digested by HaeІІІ enzyme. Results: Of the 70 isolates, 86% (60) and 14% (10) pneumococcal isolates were found to be PNSSP (penicillin intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP) and penicillin resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP)) and penicillin susceptible S. pneumoniae (PSSP). In addition, 10 RFLP patterns (A-J) which were based on the HaeІІІ digestion of pbp2b gene were observed. All PSSP isolates showed that they belonged to pattern D, whereas, all PNSSP showed 10 different patterns. Conclusion: In general, the present study suggests that RFLP can be a powerful tool in differentiation between the penicillin resistant and susceptible strains.

Purpose In the United States, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended in persons ⩾65 years of age, and persons ⩽65 years of age with immunocompromising (IC) conditions. For invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) prevention in those ⩽65 with non-IC medical conditions, the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine is recommended. This group is at higher risk of IPD than the general population, but the level of risk is not well-quantified. We estimated IPD risk by individual underlying medical conditions, and by total number of conditions, for persons ⩾18 years of age. We calculated the relative risks (RR) of various medical conditions, comparing the incident IPD cases to the general study population, and used Poisson regression models to estimate an IPD RR, adjusting for other conditions. We also examined IPD incidence by number of conditions diagnosed in each calendar year, using a risk-stacking model. Results Underlying medical conditions with the highest adjusted RR for IPD were chronic liver disease (RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5–2.8) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; RR 2.1, 95% CI 1.8–2.5). IPD risk increased with increasing number of medical conditions: adjusted RR, 2.2 (95% CI 1.9–2.5) 1 condition, 2.9 (2.5–3.5) for 2 conditions, and 5.2 (4.4–6.1) for 3 conditions. Conclusions For persons with a single, non-IC medical condition, IPD risk was twice that for the general KPNC population. Persons with multiple, non-IC chronic conditions exhibited increased IPD risk with each additional condition. Such information may inform discussions on recommendations for adult pneumococcal immunization and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization (WHO), and European Agencies recommend influenza vaccination for individuals at-risk due to age (≥65 years), underlying diseases, pregnancy and for health care workers (HCWs) in Europe. Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for those at-risk of pneumococcal disease. In Ireland, vaccination uptake among at-risk adults is not routinely available. In 2013, we conducted a national survey among Irish residents ≥18 years of age, to estimate size and vaccination coverage of at-risk groups, and identify predictive factors for influenza vaccination. We used computer assisted telephone interviews to collect self-reported information on health, vaccination status, attitudes towards vaccination. We calculated prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR) using binomial regression. Overall, 1770 individuals participated. For influenza, among those aged 18–64 years, 22% (325/1485) [95%CI: 17%–20%] were at-risk; 28% [95%CI: 23%–33%] were vaccinated. Among those aged ≥65 years, 60% [95%CI: 54%–66%] were vaccinated. Influenza vaccine uptake among HCWs was 28% [95%CI: 21%–35%]. For pneumococcal disease, among those aged 18–64 years, 18% [95%CI: 16%–20%] were at-risk; 16% [95%CI: 12%–21%] reported ever-vaccination; among those aged ≥65 years, 36% [95%CI: 30%–42%] reported ever-vaccination. Main reasons for not receiving influenza vaccine were perceptions of not being at-risk, or not thinking of it; and among HCWs thinking that vaccination was not necessary or they were not at-risk. At-risk individuals were more likely to be vaccinated if their doctor had recommended it (PR 3.2; [95%CI: 2.4%-4.4%]) or they had access to free medical care or free vaccination services (PR 2.0; [95%CI: 1.5%-2.8%]). Vaccination coverage for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccines in at-risk individuals aged 18–64 years was very low. Influenza vaccination coverage among individuals ≥65 years was moderate. Influenza vaccination status was associated with GP vaccination recommendation and free access to vaccination services. Doctors should identify and recommend vaccination to at-risk patients to improve uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pneumococcal illnesses affect over one million Americans annually, making invasive pneumococcal disease (pneumonia) the most prevalent vaccine‐preventable illness. Despite well‐documented vaccine safety and efficacy, pneumococcal vaccine (PPSV23) uptake remains low, particularly among minorities. This study sought to define variables predicting PPSV23 uptake in eligible African‐American (AA) adults. Design and Sample: This was a cross‐sectional study using a combined version of the Health Belief (HBM) and Precaution Adoption Process Models (PAPM). A convenience sample of 295 AA adults self‐administered the Vaccine Uptake Questionnaire (VUQ). Measures: Bivariate chi‐square analyses were conducted and significant variables evaluated using backward stepwise logistic regression. Results: PPSV23 uptake was 32.2% (n = 95). Older age, female gender, vaccine awareness, increased knowledge, higher trust scores, perceived susceptibility, and presence of provider recommendation for PPSV23 predicted vaccine uptake. In regression modeling, age, awareness, and provider recommendation remained significant predictors with younger age, unawareness, and lack of provider recommendation decreasing the likelihood of vaccination. Conclusion: Three dimensions of the HBM (barriers, cues, and susceptibility) predicted PPSV23 uptake. With 147 (47.8%) unaware of PPSV23 existence prior to this study, adding the dimension “unaware” from the PAPM may strengthen the model and assist efforts to increase PPSV23 uptake among AA adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunization strategies against commensal bacterial pathogens have long focused on eradicating asymptomatic carriage as well as disease, resulting in changes in the colonizing microflora with unknown future consequences. Additionally, current vaccines are not easily adaptable to sequence diversity and immune evasion. Here, we present a "smart" vaccine that leverages our current understanding of disease transition from bacterial carriage to infection with the pneumococcus serving as a model organism. Using conserved surface proteins highly expressed during virulent transition, the vaccine mounts an immune response specifically against disease-causing bacterial populations without affecting carriage. Aided by a delivery technology capable of multivalent surface display, which can be adapted easily to a changing clinical picture, results include complete protection against the development of pneumonia and sepsis during animal challenge experiments with multiple, highly variable, and clinically relevant pneumococcal isolates. The approach thus offers a unique and dynamic treatment option readily adaptable to other commensal pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cutaneous dermatoses and malignancies have occurred at the sites of vaccines. Purpose: To describe a man who developed a lichenoid dermatitis at the pneumococcal vaccine injection site and to review cutaneous dermatoses and malignancies occurring at vaccination sites. Methods: PubMed was used to search the following terms, separately and in combination: adverse, condition, cutaneous, dermatosis, dermatitis, injection, PCV13, pneumococcal, pneumonia, prevnar, reaction, skin, site, vaccination, and vaccine. All papers were reviewed, and relevant manuscripts, along with their reference citations, were evaluated. Results: Several vaccines-including bacillus Calmette-Guerin, hepatitis B, influenza, leishmaniasis, meningitis, pneumococcal, smallpox, tetanus (alone and in combination with diphtheria, pertussis, polio, Haemophilus influenza type B or plague and yellow fever), and varicella-zoster-have been associated with post-vaccination site reactions. A 70-year-old male developed a lichenoid dermatitis that occurred at the pneumococcal vaccine injection site within 2 weeks after PCV13 vaccination; the erythematous nodule resolved spontaneously within 9 weeks following immunization. Conclusions: Dermatoses at the injection sites of vaccines can be granulomatous, immunity-related conditions, infections, lichenoid, neutrophilic, or pseudolymphomatous. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common vaccination site-associated malignancies; however, melanoma and sarcomas (dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, fibrosarcoma, and malignant fibrous histiocytoma) are also smallpox vaccine-related site neoplasms. A cutaneous immunocompromised district that is created by vaccine-induced local immunologic changes is hypothesized to be the pathogenesis of vaccination site reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including those treated with biologics, are at increased risk of some vaccine-preventable infections. We evaluated the antibody response to standard 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) and the 2011-2012 trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine in adults with RA receiving subcutaneous (SC) abatacept and background disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs).Methods: Two multicenter, open-label sub-studies enrolled patients from the ACQUIRE (pneumococcal and influenza) and ATTUNE (pneumococcal) studies at any point during their SC abatacept treatment cycle following completion of ≥3 months' SC abatacept. All patients received fixed-dose abatacept 125 mg/week with background DMARDs. A pre-vaccination blood sample was taken, and after 28 ± 3 days a final post-vaccination sample was collected. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients achieving an immunologic response to the vaccine at Day 28 among patients without a protective antibody level to the vaccine antigens at baseline (pneumococcal: defined as ≥2-fold increase in post-vaccination titers to ≥3 of 5 antigens and protective antibody level of ≥1.6 μg/mL to ≥3 of 5 antigens; influenza: defined as ≥4-fold increase in post-vaccination titers to ≥2 of 3 antigens and protective antibody level of ≥1:40 to ≥2 of 3 antigens). Safety and tolerability were evaluated throughout the sub-studies.Results: Pre- and post-vaccination titers were available for 113/125 and 186/191 enrolled patients receiving the PPSV23 and influenza vaccine, respectively. Among vaccinated patients, 47/113 pneumococcal and 121/186 influenza patients were without protective antibody levels at baseline. Among patients with available data, 73.9 % (34/46) and 61.3 % (73/119) met the primary endpoint and achieved an immunologic response to PPSV23 or influenza vaccine, respectively. In patients with pre- and post-vaccination data available, 83.9 % in the pneumococcal study demonstrated protective antibody levels with PPSV23 (titer ≥1.6 μg/mL to ≥3 of 5 antigens), and 81.2 % in the influenza study achieved protective antibody levels (titer ≥1:40 to ≥2 of 3 antigens) at Day 28 post-vaccination. Vaccines were well tolerated with SC abatacept with background DMARDs.Conclusions: In these sub-studies, patients with RA receiving SC abatacept and background DMARDs were able to mount an appropriate immune response to pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.Trial Registration: NCT00559585 (registered 15 November 2007) and NCT00663702 (registered 18 April 2008). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) is now recommended for use in adults in the United States. Because vaccination of children with PCVs protects adults from the targeted serotypes, local variations in PCV uptake among children could influence disease patterns in adults. Methods: We obtained ZIP code-level data on invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) from an active population-based surveillance system in Connecticut (study interval, 1998-2009) and ZIP code-level data on immunization with at least 3 or at least 4 doses of 7-valent PCV (PCV7) from the state immunization registry. We fit logistic regression models to estimate the proportion of IPD cases among adults aged >40 years that were caused by PCV7-targeted serotypes. Covariates included ZIP code-level socioeconomic indicators (eg, percentage of the population that was black and income per capita), the percentage of the population that received 3 or 4 doses of PCV7 (mean centered), and a linear spline to control for the average rate of decline across all ZIP codes. Results: ZIP codes that had a higher proportion of children that did not complete the 4-dose PCV7 series had a higher proportion of adult IPD cases caused by PCV7 serotypes. Conclusions: Local variations in PCV uptake (and receipt of the booster dose) might influence the effectiveness of PCVs in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Although the importance of serum Procalcitonin (PCT) levels at diagnosis is well established in adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), its use remains controversial in pediatric CAP. The aim of our study is to investigate the role of PCT and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in the assessment of pediatric CAP severity defined by the extent of consolidation on chest X-rays and the presence of pleural effusion. In this particular setting, no clinical severity score is available at present and chest X-ray, although important for diagnosis confirmation, is not recommended as routine test. Design and methods The study involved 119 children admitted to the Department of Pediatric Infectious Disease for radiographically documented CAP aged 1 year to 14 years, without chronic diseases. Baseline PCT, CRP and routine laboratory tests were performed on admission. Results The median PCT (μg/L) and CRP (mg/L) were 0.11 (0.05–0.58) and 21.3 (4.2–48.1), respectively. PCT showed a good correlation with CRP, neutrophils and WBC (r = 0.538, P < 0.001; r = 0.377, P < 0.001; r = 0.285, P0.002, respectively). CRP, but not PCT, was associated with lobar consolidation (P = 0.007) and pleural effusion (P = 0.002). Logistic regression analysis revealed that only CRP was a predictor of lobar consolidation (OR: 1.078; 95% CI: 1.017–1.143; P = 0.011) and pleural effusion (OR: 1.076; 95% CI: 1.005–1.153; P = 0.036). Conclusion Our findings revealed that PCT is correlated to the main inflammatory markers in children with CAP. CRP, unlike PCT, is able to predict the extent of chest X-ray infiltration and ultimately the severity of the disease confirming its usefulness in the management of pneumonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is the most severe clinical presentation of infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Peru since 2008 includes pneumococcal vaccine in the national immunization schedule. We report a case of a 10 year old girl who goes by emergency showing meningeal signs; in addition, abdominal pain, infiltrated right basal hilum on chest radiography, presence of peritoneal fluid and peritoneal adenopathy in diagnostic imaging support. It is isolated in blood and CSF cultures Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 11A, no vaccine-strain, being sensitive to ceftriaxone and vancomycin. We recommend the need to know more about the presence of not vaccine pneumococcal serotypes in the clinical and epidemiological context and its pathogenic role in Peruvian population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infective endocarditis in drug users commonly targets the tricuspid valves, whereas pulmonic valve endocarditis is a rare occurrence. Staphylococcus aureus rather than Streptococcus species is the culprit organism. Streptococcal pneumonia is also not commonly seen as an etiological agent for endocarditis. Here we present a case of a 57-year-old man with a history of HIV infection on antiretroviral therapy who was admitted for sepsis and found to have pneumococcal bacteremia with vegetation on a pulmonic valve. He had been vaccinated with both pneumococcal conjugate vaccine 13 and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine 23 at the time of his HIV diagnosis. Pulmonic valve endocarditis is unusual in the setting of pneumococcal bacteremia in HIV patients previously vaccinated for pneumococcal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clone (Uruguay clone) with a non–multidrug-resistant phenotype caused a large outbreak, including 7 deaths, in Montevideo, Uruguay. The clone was distinct from the highly virulent community clone represented by strain MW2, although both clones carried Panton-Valentine leukocidin gene and cna gene.

After increasing from 1995 to 1999, invasive erythromycin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae rates per 100,000 decreased 53.6% in children from Baltimore, Maryland (US), from 1999 to 2001, which was partially attributed to strains related to the mefE-carrying England14-9 clone. The decline in infection rates was likely due to the pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine.