"Pneumococcus accounted for around 95% of pneumonia cases in the pre-antibiotic, pre-vaccination era. Conjugate vaccinations were introduced in 2000. These protect children and give long-lasting protection to the elderly. Pneumococcal pneumonia now accounts for an estimated 27% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) globally. Africa and the Indian sub-continent have the highest rates of infection. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is predominantly a disease of children below the age of 2, causing around 11% of deaths from all causes."
"Pneumococcus accounted for around 95% of pneumonia cases in the pre-antibiotic, pre-vaccination era. Conjugate vaccinations were introduced in 2000. These protect children and give long-lasting protection to the elderly. Pneumococcal pneumonia now accounts for an estimated 27% of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) globally. Africa and the Indian sub-continent have the highest rates of infection. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is predominantly a disease of children below the age of 2, causing around 11% of deaths from all causes."
"The reservoir for infection is the human nasopharynx which is typically colonised by age 5. Children are renowned for their ability as spreaders! Vaccination is effective against the carriage, however, other serotypes replace the eliminated strains and new strains emerge. Developments are focused on serotype-independent vaccination 6,7."
"Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common lung infection caused by the organism Streptococcus pneumoniae (a.k.a. pneumococcus)."
"Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram positive diplococcus. Over 100 serotypes are recognised and vaccination is available for the more virulent strains."
"In older age-groups, pneumonia accounts for 89% of deaths due to pneumococcus; meningitis and other IPDs for the remaining 11%. HIV and asplenia are major risk factors for pneumococcal disease. Other risk-factors include age over 65, COPD, asthma, alcohol use, and various co-morbidities."
"The clinical presentation of pneumococcal pneumonia includes fever, cough and malaise and may also include chest pain and dyspnoea or tachypnoea."