Childhood Pneumococcal Diseases and Serotypes: Can Vaccines Protect?

Abstract

Pneumococcal disease may develop despite prior vaccination. The expanded coverage of newer polyvalent pneumococcal vaccines might have prevented some, but not all, of these admissions.

Respiratory syncytial virus morbidity, premorbid factors, seasonality, and implications for prophylaxis

“…We previously reported that bacterial coinfections were found in nearly 20% of PICU admissions associated with respiratory virus infections [3]. S pneumoniae was notoriously associated [3,18]. Our findings were in agreement with those reported by ourselves as well as other investigators [3,[18][19][20].…”

“…S pneumoniae was notoriously associated [3,18]. Our findings were in agreement with those reported by ourselves as well as other investigators [3,[18][19][20]. Comparing the 3 common viruses in PICU admissions, the mean age of children admitted with RSV was lower than of those with influenza or parainfluenza (1.2 vs 5.6 vs 2.4 years, P = .003) [3].…”

“…Although RSV is exceedingly common among infants and young children, unlike other respiratory pathogens (such as influenza or S pneumoniae), there is unfortunately no vaccinations for disease prevention [4,[16][17][18]. In recent years, immunoglobulin prophylaxis has become available.…”

Megapneumonia Coinfection:pneumococcus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae,andMetapneumovirus

“…Pneumococcus is an important pathogen in childhood [1][2][3]. Invasive pneumococcal disease refers to unlocalised bacteremia, pneumonia, or meningitis.…”

“…Invasive pneumococcal disease refers to unlocalised bacteremia, pneumonia, or meningitis. Despite the availability of effective vaccines, new serotypes continue to evolve [1][2][3]. The Hong Kong Government introduced the 7-valent polysaccharide vaccine in September 2009.…”