Serotype 19A S. pneumoniae: A Growing Problem for Children

Abstract

Introduction of heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in the U.S. in 2000 was followed by a reduction in the rate of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) among young children (see Journal Watch Infectious Diseases May 23 2003). The seven serotypes contained in this vaccine are estimated to cause 80% to 85% of IPD cases in children. Recently, type 19A (which is not included in PVC7) has emerged among Alaska Native children, causing an increase in IPD rates in this population (see Journal Watch Infectious Diseases May 2 2007). Two recent reports alert us to the growing threat from Streptococcus pneumoniae type 19A in the continental U.S. …