The epidemiology of pneumococcal infection in children in the developing world.

摘要: Pneumonia causes about three million deaths a year in young children, nearly all of which are developing countries. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is the most important bacterial cause pneumonia children and so likely to be responsible for high proportion these deaths. The pneumococcus also substantial 100 000–500 000 that occur from meningitis each year. incidence invasive pneumococcal disease world several times higher than industrialized This discrepancy may, part, due socio–economic differences but genetic factors may play role. Children with sickle cell have substantially increased risk infection search being made other possible factors. Infection human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) predisposes this expected rise as increasing numbers African Asian born perinatally acquired HIV infection. Until recently, infections could treated effectively penicillin, cheap safe antibiotic. However, pneumococci resistant penicillin becoming prevalent many countries, necessitating change more costly antibiotics beyond reach health services poor, counties. spread antibiotic resistance has provided an added stimulus development vaccines might able prevent infants. Recently developed polysaccharide–protein conjugate show promise now undergoing field trials. How deployment will influence balance between asymptomatic nasopharyngeal carriage uncertain.