Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in the prevention of childhood pneumonia

Abstract

Lower respiratory tract infections are among the most important causes of childhood mortality worldwide, more than 2 million children die due to pneumonia every year. A number of infections caused by the main pathogens related to pneumonia can be prevented through vaccination ( S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae type-b, morbilli, pertussis, influenza). In the last decade, after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugated vaccine (PCV), the epidemiological background of childhood pneumonia has changed. Recently, several studies have been performed to collect data and evidences about the efficacy of PCV against noninvasive pneumococcal diseases (e.g. pneumonia, otitis media). These investigations showed 10-50% decrease of all pneumonia cases, 10-30% decrease of radiologically diagnosed pneumonia, and 50-70% decrease of the incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in children. The aim of this review was to determine the role of the PCV in the prevention of childhood pneumonia according to the medical literature, and to summarize the efforts of global organizations (WHO, UNICEF, GAVI) in the fight against pneumonia in children.