Search

We describe multiple-aetiology infections involving non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli ( STEC) identified through laboratory-based surveillance in nine Food Net sites from 2001 to 2010. A multiple-aetiology infection ( MEI) was defined as isolation of non-O157 STEC and laboratory evidence of any of the other nine pathogens under surveillance or isolation of >1 non-O157 STEC serogroup from the same person within a 7-day period. We compared exposures of patients with MEI during 2001-2010 with those of patients with single-aetiology non-O157 STEC infections ( SEI) during 2008-2009 and with those of the Food Net population from a survey conducted during 2006-2007. In total, 1870 non-O157 STEC infections were reported; 68 (3.6%) were MEI; 60 included pathogens other than non-O157 STEC; and eight involved >1 serogroup of non-O157 STEC. Of the 68 MEI, 21 (31%) were part of six outbreaks. STEC O111 was isolated in 44% of all MEI. Of patients with MEI, 50% had contact with farm animals compared with 29% ( P < 0.01) of persons with SEI; this difference was driven by infections involving STEC O111. More patients with non-outbreak-associated MEI reported drinking well water (62%) than respondents in a population survey (19%) ( P < 0.01). Drinking well water and having contact with animals may be important exposures for MEI, especially those involving STEC O111. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characterizing strains causing noninvasive and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) may inform the impact of new pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs)., Methods: During 2011-2019, among children aged 6-36 months, pneumococcal serotype distribution and antibiotic nonsusceptibility of nasopharyngeal and middle ear fluid (MEF) isolates collected at onset of acute otitis media (AOM) in Rochester, New York, were compared with IPD isolates from the Active Bacterial Core surveillance (ABCs) system across 10 US sites., Results: From Rochester, 400 (nasopharyngeal) and 156 (MEF) pneumococcal isolates were collected from 259 children. From ABCs, 907 sterile-site isolates were collected from 896 children. Non-PCV serotypes 35B and 21 were more frequent among the Rochester AOM cases, while serotypes 3, 19A, 22F, 33F, 10A, and 12F contained in PCVs were more frequent among ABCs IPD cases. The proportion of antibiotic-nonsusceptible pneumococcal isolates was generally more common among IPD cases. In 2015-2019, serotype 35B emerged as the most common serotype associated with multiclass antibiotic nonsusceptibility for both the Rochester AOM and ABCs IPD cases., Conclusions: Pneumococcal isolates from children in Rochester with AOM differ in serotype distribution and antibiotic susceptibility compared to IPD cases identified through US surveillance. Non-PCV serotype 35B emerged as a common cause of AOM and IPD., Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. All authors: No reported conflicts. All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

On June 17, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (PCV21; CAPVAXIVE; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC) for adults aged ≥18 years. PCV21 does not contain certain serotypes that are included in other licensed pneumococcal vaccines but adds eight new serotypes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends use of a PCV for all adults aged ≥65 years, as well as adults aged 19-64 years with certain risk conditions for pneumococcal disease if they have not received a PCV or whose vaccination history is unknown. Previously, options included either 20-valent PCV (PCV20; Prevnar20; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.) alone or a 15-valent PCV (PCV15; VAXNEUVANCE; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC) in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23; Pneumovax23; Merck Sharp & Dohme, LLC). Additional recommendations for use of PCV20 exist for adults who started their pneumococcal vaccination series with 13-valent PCV (PCV13; Prevnar13; Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.). The ACIP Pneumococcal Vaccines Work Group employed the Evidence to Recommendations framework to guide its deliberations on PCV21 vaccination among U.S. adults. On June 27, 2024, ACIP recommended a single dose of PCV21 as an option for adults aged ≥19 years for whom PCV is currently recommended. Indications for PCV have not changed from previous recommendations. This report summarizes evidence considered for these recommendations and provides clinical guidance for use of PCV21., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Katherine A. Poehling reports grant support from the North Carolina Baptist Foundation for support of Safe Sleep supplies for all newborns and Early Child Education Fellow with Love Out Loud, a local nonprofit; Optum Social Responsibility, for support of Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative Pilot; Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Clinical and Translational Science Institute for Because You Matter: Conversations You Want About COVID-19 and Text Messaging Follow-up for Patients who missed Well-child visits; and the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation for Re-imagining Health and Well-being by Mothers for our Babies, Families, and Community; volunteer service as a board member of the Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina, a local nonprofit (https://www.childlawnc.org); and a volunteer role as senior editor of Academic Pediatrics. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Background: A U.S. case-control study (2010-2014) demonstrated vaccine effectiveness (VE) for ≥ 1 dose of the thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) against vaccine-type (VT) invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) at 86 %; however, it lacked statistical power to examine VE by number of doses and against individual serotypes., Methods: We used the indirect cohort method to estimate PCV13 VE against VT-IPD among children aged < 5 years in the United States from May 1, 2010 through December 31, 2019 using cases from CDC's Active Bacterial Core surveillance, including cases enrolled in a matched case-control study (2010-2014). Cases and controls were defined as individuals with VT-IPD and non-PCV13-type-IPD (NVT-IPD), respectively. We estimated absolute VE using the adjusted odds ratio of prior PCV13 receipt (1-aOR x 100 %)., Results: Among 1,161 IPD cases, 223 (19.2 %) were VT cases and 938 (80.8 %) were NVT controls. Of those, 108 cases (48.4 %; 108/223) and 600 controls (64.0 %; 600/938) had received > 3 PCV13 doses; 23 cases (17.6 %) and 15 controls (2.4 %) had received no PCV doses. VE ≥ 3 PCV13 doses against VT-IPD was 90.2 % (95 % Confidence Interval75.4-96.1 %), respectively. Among the most commonly circulating VT-IPD serotypes, VE of ≥ 3 PCV13 doses was 86.8 % (73.7-93.3 %), 50.2 % (28.4-80.5 %), and 93.8 % (69.8-98.8 %) against serotypes 19A, 3, and 19F, respectively., Conclusions: At least three doses of PCV13 continue to be effective in preventing VT-IPD among children aged < 5 years in the US. PCV13 was protective against serotypes 19A and 19F IPD; protection against serotype 3 IPD did not reach statistical significance., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [Lee Harrison provides service on advisory boards (Pfizer, Sanofi, GSK) and a DSMB (Merck); while LH does not receive any fees for this work he is reimbursed for occasional travel. Tamara Pilishvili reports a relationship with GSK that includes: employment. During data collection, analysis, and write-up, TP was employed by CDC. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.]., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Katherine A. Poehling reports institutional support from Safe Sleep for All Newborns, Love Out Loud Early Childhood Fellow, Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative Project, Because You Matter: Conversations You Want about COVID-19, text messaging follow-up for patients who missed well-child visits, and Reimagining Health and Wellness by Mothers for Our Babies, Families, and Communities. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 [Prevnar 13, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a subsidiary of Pfizer, Inc]) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 [Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC]) have been recommended for U.S. children, and the recommendations vary by age group and risk group (1,2). In 2021, 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15 [Vaxneuvance, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC]) was licensed for use in adults aged ≥18 years (3). On June 17, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an expanded usage for PCV15 to include persons aged 6 weeks-17 years, based on studies that compared antibody responses to PCV15 with those to PCV13 (4). PCV15 contains serotypes 22F and 33F (in addition to the PCV13 serotypes) conjugated to CRM197 (genetically detoxified diphtheria toxin). On June 22, 2022, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of PCV15 as an option for pneumococcal conjugate vaccination of persons aged <19 years according to currently recommended PCV13 dosing and schedules (1,2). ACIP employed the Evidence to Recommendation (EtR) Framework,* using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) † approach to guide its deliberations regarding use of these vaccines. Risk-based recommendations on use of PPSV23 for persons aged 2-18 years with certain underlying medical conditions § that increase the risk for pneumococcal disease have not changed., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Katherine A. Poehling reports institutional support from Safe Sleep for All Newborns, Love Out Loud Early Childhood Fellow, Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative Project, Because You Matter: Conversations You Want about COVID-19, text messaging follow-up for patients who missed well-child visits, and Reimagining Health and Wellness by Mothers for Our Babies, Families, and Communities. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Background: Antibiotic-nonsusceptible invasive pneumococcal disease (NS-IPD) incidence declined dramatically in the United States after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) into the infant immunization schedule (7-valent PCV7 in 2000, replaced by the 13-valent PCV13 in 2010). We evaluated the long-term impact of PCVs on NS-IPD., Methods: We identified IPD cases through the Centers for Disease Control Active Bacterial Core surveillance during 1998-2018. Isolates intermediate or resistant to ≥1 antibiotic class were classified as nonsusceptible. We calculated annual rates of IPD (cases per 100 000 persons)., Results: From 1998 through 2018, NS-IPD incidence decreased from 43.9 to 3.2 among children <5 years and from 19.8 to 9.4 among adults ≥65 years. Incidence of vaccine-type NS-IPD decreased in all age groups, whereas incidence of nonvaccine type (NVT) NS-IPD increased in all age groups; the greatest absolute increase in NVT NS-IPD occurred among adults ≥65 years (2.3 to 7.2). During 2014-2018, NVTs 35B, 33F, 22F, and 15A were the most common NS-IPD serotypes., Conclusions: Nonsusceptible IPD incidence decreased after PCV7 and PCV13 introduction in the United States. However, recent increases in NVT NS-IPD, most pronounced among older adults, have been observed. New higher valency PCVs containing the most common nonsusceptible serotypes, including 22F and 33F, could help further reduce NS-IPD., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America 2022.)

Background: People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Thirteen-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) was recommended for use in US children in 2010 and for PWH aged 19 years or older in 2012. We evaluated the population-level impact of PCV13 on IPD among PWH and non-PWH aged 19 years or older., Methods: We identified IPD cases from 2008 to 2018 through the Active Bacterial Core surveillance platform. We estimated IPD incidence using the National HIV Surveillance System and US Census Bureau data. We measured percent changes in IPD incidence from 2008 to 2009 to 2017-2018 by HIV status, age group, and vaccine serotype group, including serotypes in recently licensed 15-valent (PCV15) and 20-valent (PCV20) PCVs., Results: In 2008-2009 and 2017-2018, 8.4% (552/6548) and 8.0% (416/5169) of adult IPD cases were among PWH, respectively. Compared with non-PWH, a larger proportion of IPD cases among PWH were in adults aged 19-64 years (94.7%-97.4% vs. 56.0%-60.1%) and non-Hispanic Black people (62.5%-73.0% vs. 16.7%-19.2%). Overall and PCV13-type IPD incidence in PWH declined by 40.3% (95% confidence interval: -47.7 to -32.3) and 72.5% (95% confidence interval: -78.8 to -65.6), respectively. In 2017-2018, IPD incidence was 16.8 (overall) and 12.6 (PCV13 type) times higher in PWH compared with non-PWH; PCV13, PCV15/non-PCV13, and PCV20/non-PCV15 serotypes comprised 21.5%, 11.2%, and 16.5% of IPD in PWH, respectively., Conclusions: Despite reductions post-PCV13 introduction, IPD incidence among PWH remained substantially higher than among non-PWH. Higher-valent PCVs provide opportunities to reduce remaining IPD burden in PWH., Competing Interests: W.S. served as a consultant for VBI Vaccines. L.H.H. served as a consultant for GSK, Merck, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur. The remaining authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

In 2021, 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) (PCV20) (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.) and 15-valent PCV (PCV15) (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.) were licensed by the Food and Drug Administration for adults aged ≥18 years, based on studies that compared antibody responses to PCV20 and PCV15 with those to 13-valent PCV (PCV13) (Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.). Antibody responses to two additional serotypes included in PCV15 were compared to corresponding responses after PCV13 vaccination, and antibody responses to seven additional serotypes included in PCV20 were compared with those to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) (Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.). On October 20, 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended use of either PCV20 alone or PCV15 in series with PPSV23 for all adults aged ≥65 years, and for adults aged 19-64 years with certain underlying medical conditions or other risk factors* who have not previously received a PCV or whose previous vaccination history is unknown. ACIP employed the Evidence to Recommendation (EtR) framework, † using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) § approach to guide its deliberations regarding use of these vaccines. Before this, PCV13 and PPSV23 were recommended for use for U.S. adults and the recommendations varied by age and risk groups. This was simplified in the new recommendations., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Katherine A. Poehling reports institutional support from Safe Sleep for All Newborns, Love Out Loud Early Childhood Fellowship, Intimate Partner Violence Collaborative Project, Because You Matter: Conversations You Want about COVID-19, text messaging follow-up for patients who missed well child visits, and Reimagining Health and Wellness by Mothers for Our Babies, Families, and Communities. H. Keipp Talbott reports institutional grants from the National Institutes of Health. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Background: The prioritization of U.S. health care personnel for early receipt of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), allowed for the evaluation of the effectiveness of these new vaccines in a real-world setting., Methods: We conducted a test-negative case-control study involving health care personnel across 25 U.S. states. Cases were defined on the basis of a positive polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) or antigen-based test for SARS-CoV-2 and at least one Covid-19-like symptom. Controls were defined on the basis of a negative PCR test for SARS-CoV-2, regardless of symptoms, and were matched to cases according to the week of the test date and site. Using conditional logistic regression with adjustment for age, race and ethnic group, underlying conditions, and exposures to persons with Covid-19, we estimated vaccine effectiveness for partial vaccination (assessed 14 days after receipt of the first dose through 6 days after receipt of the second dose) and complete vaccination (assessed ≥7 days after receipt of the second dose)., Results: The study included 1482 case participants and 3449 control participants. Vaccine effectiveness for partial vaccination was 77.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9 to 82.7) with the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) and 88.9% (95% CI, 78.7 to 94.2) with the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna); for complete vaccination, vaccine effectiveness was 88.8% (95% CI, 84.6 to 91.8) and 96.3% (95% CI, 91.3 to 98.4), respectively. Vaccine effectiveness was similar in subgroups defined according to age (<50 years or ≥50 years), race and ethnic group, presence of underlying conditions, and level of patient contact. Estimates of vaccine effectiveness were lower during weeks 9 through 14 than during weeks 3 through 8 after receipt of the second dose, but confidence intervals overlapped widely., Conclusions: The BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines were highly effective under real-world conditions in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 in health care personnel, including those at risk for severe Covid-19 and those in racial and ethnic groups that have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic. (Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)., (Copyright © 2021 Massachusetts Medical Society.)

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health care personnel (HCP) have been at high risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, through patient interactions and community exposure (1). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended prioritization of HCP for COVID-19 vaccination to maintain provision of critical services and reduce spread of infection in health care settings (2). Early distribution of two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) to HCP allowed assessment of the effectiveness of these vaccines in a real-world setting. A test-negative case-control study is underway to evaluate mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic illness among HCP at 33 U.S. sites across 25 U.S. states. Interim analyses indicated that the VE of a single dose (measured 14 days after the first dose through 6 days after the second dose) was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74%-87%), adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and underlying medical conditions. The adjusted VE of 2 doses (measured ≥7 days after the second dose) was 94% (95% CI = 87%-97%). VE of partial (1-dose) and complete (2-dose) vaccination in this population is comparable to that reported from clinical trials and recent observational studies, supporting the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic disease in adults, with strong 2-dose protection., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. Deverick Anderson is the owner of Infection Control Education for Major Sports, LLC, and reports grants from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and personal fees from UpToDate, outside the submitted work. Ghinwa Dumyati reports grants from Pfizer and personal fees from Roche Diagnostics. Gregory Moran reports grants from I-Mab Biopharma and BeiGene and personal fees from Light AI. Mark Steele reports personal fees from Light AI, during the conduct of the study. No other potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

After 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in the United States in 2000, invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) due to serotype 4 greatly decreased in children and adults. Starting in 2013, serotype 4 IPD incidence increased among adults within 3 of 10 Active Bacterial Core surveillance sites. Of 325 serotype 4 cases among adults in 2010-2018, 36% were persons experiencing homelessness (PEH); incidence of serotype 4 IPD among PEH was 100-300 times higher than in the general population within these 3 areas. Genome sequencing for isolates recovered 2015-2018 (n = 246), revealed that increases in serotype 4 IPD were driven by lineages ST10172, ST244, and ST695. Within each lineage, clusters of near-identical isolates indicated close temporal relatedness. Increases in serotype 4 IPD were limited to Colorado, California, and New Mexico, with highest increases among PEH, who were at increased risk for exposure to and infections caused by these strains., (Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2020.)

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction has reduced pneumococcal meningitis incidence. The Pneumococcal Serotype Replacement and Distribution Estimation (PSERENADE) project described the serotype distribution of remaining pneumococcal meningitis in countries using PCV10/13 for least 5-7 years with primary series uptake above 70%. The distribution was estimated using a multinomial Dirichlet regression model, stratified by PCV product and age. In PCV10-using sites ( N = 8; cases = 1141), PCV10 types caused 5% of cases <5 years of age and 15% among ≥5 years; the top serotypes were 19A, 6C, and 3, together causing 42% of cases <5 years and 37% ≥5 years. In PCV13-using sites ( N = 32; cases = 4503), PCV13 types caused 14% in <5 and 26% in ≥5 years; 4% and 13%, respectively, were serotype 3. Among the top serotypes are five (15BC, 8, 12F, 10A, and 22F) included in higher-valency PCVs under evaluation. Other top serotypes (24F, 23B, and 23A) are not in any known investigational product. In countries with mature vaccination programs, the proportion of pneumococcal meningitis caused by vaccine-in-use serotypes is lower (≤26% across all ages) than pre-PCV (≥70% in children). Higher-valency PCVs under evaluation target over half of remaining pneumococcal meningitis cases, but questions remain regarding generalizability to the African meningitis belt where additional data are needed.

Background: Most countries use 3-dose pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) schedules; a 4-dose (3 primary and 1 booster) schedule is licensed for US infants. We evaluated the invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) breakthrough infection incidence in children receiving 2 vs 3 primary PCV doses with and without booster doses (2 + 1 vs 3 + 1; 2 + 0 vs 3 + 0)., Methods: We used 2001-2016 Active Bacterial Core surveillance data to identify breakthrough infections (vaccine-type IPD in children receiving ≥1 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV7] or 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV13] dose) among children aged <5 years. We estimated schedule-specific IPD incidence rates (IRs) per 100 000 person-years and compared incidence by schedule (2 + 1 vs 3 + 1; 2 + 0 vs 3 + 0) using rate differences (RDs) and incidence rate ratios., Results: We identified 71 PCV7 and 49 PCV13 breakthrough infections among children receiving a schedule of interest. PCV13 breakthrough infection rates were higher in children aged <1 year receiving the 2 + 0 (IR: 7.8) vs 3 + 0 (IR: 0.6) schedule (incidence rate ratio: 12.9; 95% confidence interval: 4.1-40.4); PCV7 results were similar. Differences in PCV13 breakthrough infection rates by schedule in children aged <1 year were larger in 2010-2011 (2 + 0 IR: 18.6; 3 + 0 IR: 1.4; RD: 16.6) vs 2012-2016 (2 + 0 IR: 3.6; 3 + 0 IR: 0.2; RD: 3.4). No differences between schedules were detected in children aged ≥1 year for PCV13 breakthrough infections., Conclusions: Fewer PCV breakthrough infections occurred in the first year of life with 3 primary doses. Differences in breakthrough infection rates by schedule decreased as vaccine serotypes decreased in circulation., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: Dr Harrison has received fees from GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Pfizer, and Sanofi Pasteur for consulting on the epidemiology and vaccine prevention of bacterial diseases; the other authors have indicated they have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2020 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Two pneumococcal vaccines are currently licensed for use in adults in the United States: a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 [Prevnar 13, Pfizer, Inc.]) and a 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 [Pneumovax 23, Merck and Co., Inc.]). In 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)* recommended routine use of PCV13 in series with PPSV23 for all adults aged ≥65 years based on demonstrated PCV13 safety and efficacy against PCV13-type pneumonia among adults aged ≥65 years (1). At that time, ACIP recognized that there would be a need to reevaluate this recommendation because it was anticipated that PCV13 use in children would continue to reduce disease burden among adults through reduced carriage and transmission of vaccine serotypes from vaccinated children (i.e., PCV13 indirect effects). On June 26, 2019, after having reviewed the evidence accrued during the preceding 3 years (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/recs/grade/PCV13.html), ACIP voted to remove the recommendation for routine PCV13 use among adults aged ≥65 years and to recommend administration of PCV13 based on shared clinical decision-making for adults aged ≥65 years who do not have an immunocompromising condition, † cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, or cochlear implant, and who have not previously received PCV13. ACIP recognized that some adults aged ≥65 years are potentially at increased risk for exposure to PCV13 serotypes, such as persons residing in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities and persons residing in settings with low pediatric PCV13 uptake or traveling to settings with no pediatric PCV13 program, and might attain higher than average benefit from PCV13 vaccination. When patients and vaccine providers § engage in shared clinical decision-making for PCV13 use to determine whether PCV13 is right for a particular person, considerations might include both the person's risk for exposure to PCV13 serotypes and their risk for developing pneumococcal disease as a result of underlying medical conditions. All adults aged ≥65 years should continue to receive 1 dose of PPSV23. If the decision is made to administer PCV13, it should be given at least 1 year before PPSV23. ACIP continues to recommend PCV13 in series with PPSV23 for adults aged ≥19 years with an immunocompromising condition, CSF leak, or cochlear implant (2)., Competing Interests: All authors have completed and submitted the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors form for disclosure of potential conflicts of interest. No potential conflicts of interest were disclosed.

Background: Bacterial meningitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. We analyzed data from the World Health Organization's (WHO) Invasive Bacterial Vaccine-preventable Diseases Surveillance Network (2011-2016) to describe the epidemiology of laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn), Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae meningitis within the WHO African Region. We also evaluated declines in vaccine-type pneumococcal meningitis following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction., Methods: Reports of meningitis in children <5 years old from sentinel surveillance hospitals in 26 countries were classified as suspected, probable, or confirmed. Confirmed meningitis cases were analyzed by age group and subregion (South-East and West-Central). We described case fatality ratios (CFRs), pathogen distribution, and annual changes in serotype and serogroup, including changes in vaccine-type Spn meningitis following PCV introduction., Results: Among 49 844 reported meningitis cases, 1670 (3.3%) were laboratory-confirmed. Spn (1007/1670 [60.3%]) was the most commonly detected pathogen; vaccine-type Spn meningitis cases declined over time. CFR was the highest for Spn meningitis: 12.9% (46/357) in the South-East subregion and 30.9% (89/288) in the West-Central subregion. Meningitis caused by N. meningitidis was more common in West-Central than South-East Africa (321/954 [33.6%] vs 110/716 [15.4%]; P < .0001). Haemophilus influenzae (232/1670 [13.9%]) was the least prevalent organism., Conclusions: Spn was the most common cause of pediatric bacterial meningitis in the African region even after reported cases declined following PCV introduction. Sustaining robust surveillance is essential to monitor changes in pathogen distribution and to inform and guide vaccination policies., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

Bacterial mutations predisposing pneumococcus to causing meningitis, a more severe form of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), are largely unknown. Knowledge of such mutations may improve our understanding of pathogenesis and inform preventive strategies. Here we report a pneumococcal pbp1b gene mutation (pbp1bA641C causing N214T change in PBP1b transglycosylase domain) that is associated with meningitis in an exploratory cohort of IPD patients (n = 2054, p = 6.8 × 10 -6 ), in an independent confirmatory cohort (n = 2518, p = 2.3 × 10 -6 ), and in a combined analysis (n = 4572, p = 3.0 × 10 -10 ). Patients infected by the pbp1b641C genotype pneumococci show 2.8-fold odds (95% CI 1.7 to 4.8) of meningitis compared to those infected by non-pbp1b641C pneumococci, after controlling for pneumococcal serotype, antibiotic resistance, and patient age. The pbp1bA641C change results in longer time needed for bacterial killing by antibiotic treatment and shows evidence of being under positive selection. Thus, a pneumococcal mutation conferring increased antibiotic tolerance is associated with meningitis among IPD patients.

Introduction of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the United States was not associated with a significant change in prevalence of penicillin resistance in nonvaccine type serotypes because of the variable success of highly resistant serotypes. Differences in regional serotype distribution and serotype-specific resistance contributed to geographic heterogeneity of penicillin resistance.

In 2014, an acute respiratory illness outbreak affected unaccompanied children from Central America entering the United States; 9% of 774 surveyed children were colonized with Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5. In our 2015 follow-up survey of 475 children, serotype 5 was not detected, and an interim recommendation to administer 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to all unaccompanied children was discontinued.

Background: As bats have recently been described to harbor many different viruses, several studies have investigated the genetic co-variation between viruses and different bat species. However, little is known about the genetic co-variation of viruses and different populations of the same bat species, although such information is needed for an understanding of virus transmission dynamics within a given host species. We hypothesized that if virus transmission between host populations depends on events linked to gene flow in the bats, genetic co-variation should exist between host populations and astroviruses., Results: We used 19 nuclear and one mitochondrial microsatellite loci to analyze the genetic population structure of the Natterer's bat (Myotis nattereri) within and among populations at different geographical scales in Germany. Further, we correlated the observed bat population structure to that of partial astrovirus sequences (323-394 nt fragments of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene) obtained from the same bat populations. Our analyses revealed that the studied bat colonies can be grouped into three distinct genetic clusters, corresponding to the three geographic regions sampled. Furthermore, we observed an overall isolation-by-distance pattern, while no significant pattern was observed within a geographic region. Moreover, we found no correlation between the genetic distances among the bat populations and the astrovirus sequences they harbored. Even though high genetic similarity of some of the astrovirus haplotypes found in several different regions was detected, identical astrovirus haplotypes were not shared between different sampled regions., Conclusions: The genetic population structure of the bat host suggests that mating sites where several local breeding colonies meet act as stepping-stones for gene flow. Identical astrovirus haplotypes were not shared between different sampled regions suggesting that astroviruses are mostly transmitted among host colonies at the local scale. Nevertheless, high genetic similarity of some of the astrovirus haplotypes found in several different regions implies that occasional transmission across regions with subsequent mutations of the virus haplotypes does occur.

Background: Recently released results from a randomized controlled trial have shown that 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is efficacious against vaccine-type nonbacteremic pneumonia in adults., Objective: We examined the incremental cost-effectiveness of adding PCV13 to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) adult immunization schedule., Methods: We used a probabilistic model following cohorts of 50-, 60-, or 65-year-olds. We used separate vaccination coverage and disease incidence data for healthy and high-risk adults. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were determined for each potential vaccination strategy., Results: In the base case scenario, our model indicated that adding PCV13 at age 65 or replacing 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) at age 65 with PCV13 provided more value for money than adding PCV13 at ages 50 or 60. After projections of six additional years of herd protection from the childhood immunization program were incorporated, we found adding PCV13 dominated replacing PPSV23. For a cohort of 65-year-olds in 2013, the cost of adding PCV13 at age 65 to the schedule was $62,065 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, which rose to $272,621 after 6 years of projected herd protection., Conclusion: The addition of one dose of PCV13 for adults appears to have a cost-effectiveness ratio comparable to other vaccination interventions in the short run, though anticipated herd protection from the childhood immunization program may dramatically increase the cost per QALY after only a few years.

Background: From January 2014-July 2014, more than 46 000 unaccompanied children (UC) from Central America crossed the US-Mexico border. In June-July, UC aged 9-17 years in 4 shelters and 1 processing center in 4 states were hospitalized with acute respiratory illness. We conducted a multistate investigation to interrupt disease transmission., Methods: Medical charts were abstracted for hospitalized UC. Nonhospitalized UC with influenza-like illness were interviewed, and nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected to detect respiratory pathogens. Nasopharyngeal swabs were used to assess pneumococcal colonization in symptomatic and asymptomatic UC. Pneumococcal blood isolates from hospitalized UC and nasopharyngeal isolates were characterized by serotyping and whole-genome sequencing., Results: Among 15 hospitalized UC, 4 (44%) of 9 tested positive for influenza viruses, and 6 (43%) of 14 with blood cultures grew pneumococcus, all serotype 5. Among 48 nonhospitalized children with influenza-like illness, 1 or more respiratory pathogens were identified in 46 (96%). Among 774 nonhospitalized UC, 185 (24%) yielded pneumococcus, and 70 (38%) were serotype 5. UC transferring through the processing center were more likely to be colonized with serotype 5 (odds ratio, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.1-6.9). Analysis of core pneumococcal genomes detected 2 related, yet independent, clusters. No pneumococcus cases were reported after pneumococcal and influenza immunization campaigns., Conclusions: This respiratory disease outbreak was due to multiple pathogens, including Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 5 and influenza viruses. Pneumococcal and influenza vaccinations prevented further transmission. Future efforts to prevent similar outbreaks will benefit from use of both vaccines., (Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.)

Background: Antibiotic-nonsusceptible invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) decreased substantially after the US introduction of the pediatric 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in 2000. However, rates of antibiotic-nonsusceptible non-PCV7-type IPD increased during 2004-2009. In 2010, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) replaced PCV7. We assessed the impact of PCV13 on antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD rates., Methods: We defined IPD as pneumococcal isolation from a normally sterile site in a resident from 10 US surveillance sites. Antibiotic-nonsusceptible isolates were those intermediate or resistant to ≥1 antibiotic classes according to 2012 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints. We examined rates of antibiotic nonsusceptibility and estimated cases prevented between observed cases of antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD and cases that would have occurred if PCV13 had not been introduced., Results: From 2009 to 2013, rates of antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD caused by serotypes included in PCV13 but not in PCV7 decreased from 6.5 to 0.5 per 100 000 in children aged <5 years and from 4.4 to 1.4 per 100 000 in adults aged ≥65 years. During 2010-2013, we estimated that 1636 and 1327 cases of antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD caused by serotypes included in PCV13 but not PCV7 were prevented among children aged <5 years (-97% difference) and among adults aged ≥65 years (-64% difference), respectively. Although we observed small increases in antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD caused by non-PCV13 serotypes, no non-PCV13 serotype dominated among antibiotic-nonsusceptible strains., Conclusions: After PCV13 introduction, antibiotic-nonsusceptible IPD decreased in multiple age groups. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor trends of nonvaccine serotypes. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines are important tools in the approach to combat antibiotic resistance., (Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America 2016. This work is written by (a) US Government employee(s) and is in the public domain in the US.)

Two pneumococcal vaccines are currently licensed for use in the United States: the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 [Prevnar 13, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.]) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 [Pneumovax 23, Merck and Co., Inc.]). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends that a dose of PCV13 be followed by a dose of PPSV23 in all adults aged ≥65 years who have not previously received pneumococcal vaccine and in persons aged ≥2 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease because of underlying medical conditions (Table) (1-4). The recommended intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 given in series differ by age and risk group and the order in which the two vaccines are given (1-4).

On August 13, 2014, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended routine use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13 [Prevnar 13, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc.]) among adults aged ≥65 years. PCV13 should be administered in series with the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23 [Pneumovax23, Merck & Co., Inc.]), the vaccine currently recommended for adults aged ≥65 years. PCV13 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in late 2011 for use among adults aged ≥50 years. In June 2014, the results of a randomized placebo-controlled trial evaluating efficacy of PCV13 for preventing community-acquired pneumonia among approximately 85,000 adults aged ≥65 years with no prior pneumococcal vaccination history (CAPiTA trial) became available and were presented to ACIP. The evidence supporting PCV13 vaccination of adults was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) framework and determined to be type 2 (moderate level of evidence); the recommendation was categorized as a Category A recommendation. This report outlines the new recommendations for PCV13 use, provides guidance for use of PCV13 and PPSV23 among adults aged ≥65 years, and summarizes the evidence considered by ACIP to make this recommendation.