Pneumococcus Remains Significant Cause of Adult Mortality, Morbidity
Researchers conducted a review that provided updated evidence regarding the pneumococcal disease burden, the evolution of pneumococcal vaccines, and the latest immunization strategies.
Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) continues to be a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality among adults despite notable advancements in pneumococcal vaccine technology, according to data published in Vaccines.1
Despite pneumococcal vaccines covering more serotypes than ever before, non-vaccine serotypes, persistent antimicrobial resistance, and geographic variability in disease burden and vaccination uptake all contribute to persistent adult morbidity and mortality.
“Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria called S. pneumoniae (also known as pneumococcus). It’s contagious and may cause severe illness, so early diagnosis and treatment is important,” according to the Cleveland Clinic.2 “Treatment typically involves antibiotics. Vaccines can reduce the risk of infection, especially in young children and older adults.”
Researchers wanted to focus in on the elderly population and understand the updated evidence regarding disease burden and immunization strategies for IPD. | image credit: frinz / stock.adobe.com
READ MORE: Pneumococcal Serotype Can Determine Clinical Disease Outcomes
The prevalence of S. pneumoniae among healthy preschool-aged children ranges from 3% to 50%, while these rates are much lower in healthy adults, ranging from 5% to 10%. Furthermore, when it comes to predominant serotypes responsible for invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), a range of 20-25 serotypes make up nearly 90% of cases.
With such a prevalent disease significantly impacting both childhood and older adult populations, development of vaccines that protect against pneumococcus have been newly introduced on a recurrent basis. As new serotypes are discovered, new vaccine schedules are introduced to the world’s younger and older populations.
There are currently 2 types of pneumococcal vaccines available in the US: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccines (PPSVs). With each variation of these vaccines protecting against specific serotypes, PCV13 has been found to protect both children and adults from IPD. There too have been the approval of PCV15, 20, and 21, with more evidence needed to make a proper recommendation regarding these vaccines.3
However, amid all this development of pneumococcal vaccines and evidence regarding IPD prevalence, researchers still believe there is more to understand about the disease and the vaccine strategies it implores.
“IPD occurs in nearly 30% of hospitalized patients,” wrote authors of the current study.1 “On the other hand, the clinical burden is not restricted to IPD, but most often, the elderly experience cognitive declines, loss of independence, additional cardiac events, and finally, reduced lifespan following the infection, making it a global health concern.”
IPD is more prevalent within young and healthy populations than it is compared with older and healthy populations. However, with common health declines among adults over the age of 65, researchers of the current study wanted to focus in on this population and understand the updated evidence regarding disease burden and immunization strategies for IPD.
“Pneumococcal pneumonia is estimated to account for approximately 12%-13% of all hospital-treated pneumonia cases in the US, contributing to nearly 225,000 adult hospitalizations each year,” they continued.1 “The case fatality rate for all patients with IPD is approximately 10%, and it is much higher for the elderly (~35%) and patients with risk factors. Given the dire issue of pneumococcal disease burden globally, vaccination remains a high priority.”
With a significant IPD burden worldwide, especially for the elderly, vaccination is the front-line protection for children and adults seeking to avoid hospitalization or further morbidity. Amid consistently updated evidence regarding IPD and constant development of pneumococcal vaccines, health care providers are suggested to play their role in vaccine uptake and promote the role of PCVs and PPSVs in decreasing disease burdens.
“Despite remarkable progress in pneumococcal vaccine development, S. pneumoniae remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among adults worldwide,” concluded the authors.1 “Strengthening adult immunization infrastructure and integrating pneumococcal vaccination into broader public health initiatives by raising awareness and enhancing reimbursement strategies will be key to reducing the global disease burden.”
READ MORE: Pneumococcal Resource Center
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