History of Pneumococcal Immunization

摘要: By the year 1800, 200 years ago, smallpox vaccine had established principle of preventing serious disease by active immunization. In 1940s, these whole-cell vaccines were supplanted next generation pneumococcal vaccines, which consisted purified capsular polysaccharides (PS) bacteria. As early as 1891, animal experiments showed that killed pneumococci elicited protective immunity to subsequent challenge with virulent The influenza pandemic 1918 1919, together First World War, created a situation conducive highly increased incidence pneumonia. Researchers administered trivalent 12,519 men in training at United States. results trials considered very encouraging time. Even 30% reduction numbers cases lobar pneumonia was welcomed because there no alternative prevention measures. experimental research Avery, Heidelberger, and Goebel 1920s formed essential links between capsules, their serotype specificity, identity capsules PS could be isolated from bacterial cultures chemical means. Despite recommendations for routine immunization at-risk populations, uptake relatively slow. Nearly 10 after licensure States, only 10% persons whom recommended ever been immunized. Protection against bacteremia, provided 23-valent vaccine, wanes over period 3 5 years, particularly older people.