Pneumococcal vaccine: efficacy and associated cost savings

Article Abstract:

Pneumococcal bacteria cause pneumonia and other infections. Despite the use of antibiotics, these infections are as significant now as they were early in the twentieth century. Rates of death and hospitalization from pneumonia have increased among older Americans, with pneumococcus being the most common cause of acquired bacterial pneumonia. A vaccine against the infection has been developed, but there is limited information on its effectiveness and the cost-savings associated with its use. These aspects of the pneumococcal vaccine were evaluated in 762 vaccinated and 1,161 unvaccinated men and women, aged 50 to over 75 years. Overall effectiveness of the vaccine was 69 percent: 33 percent in men, and 86 percent in women. Effectiveness in men from 50 to 64 years of age was 60 percent. Effectiveness was 60, 73 and 75 percent in the moderate-, low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Effectiveness in patients with suppressed immune systems was similar to that in immunocompetent patients. The incidence of pneumonia in patients who previously had pneumonia was 7 to 19 times higher, but vaccine effectiveness in these patients was similar. Overall cost savings of $72 for men and $191 for women resulted from preventing pneumonia and, perhaps, developing less severe illness. The results suggest that pneumococcal vaccine is an effective and cost-effective means of preventing pneumonia in people over 50 years of age. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Economic aspects, Risk factors

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New challenges in the development of a conjugate pneumococcal vaccine

Article Abstract:

A vaccine against different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae needs to be developed to prevent invasive pneumococcal infections in children. Invasive infections are those that have spread to the blood and other parts of the body that normally test sterile for the bacterium. A vaccine exists for adults, but it is ineffective in young children. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that is enclosed in a capsule composed of different types of sugars. The sugars of the bacterial capsule are used to generate an immunological response in the vaccine used for adults. These sugars do not generate a long-lasting immunological response in children under two years old. Vaccines developed from bacterial proteins are more effective in very young children. Two research studies found that different serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae are responsible for invasive pneumococcal infections among children in different parts of the world. The serotypes which are most prevalent should be taken into consideration in the development of a vaccine for children.

Editorial, Infection, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Communicable diseases in children, Pediatric communicable diseases

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Emergence of antimicrobial-resistant serotype 19A streptococcus pneumoniae - Massachusetts, 2001-2006

Article Abstract:

The article describes treatment adopted in Massachusetts from 2001-2006 for streptococcus pneumonia, which causes otitis, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis.

Science & research, Massachusetts, Health aspects, Causes of, Ear, Otitis, Bacterial pneumonia, Drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae

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