Pneumococcal disease

 

Invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the bacteria called pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a major cause of meningitis, pneumonia (inflammation in the lungs), septicaemia (blood poisoning) and severe ear infection.

 

The pneumococcus is often carried in the back of the nose and throat of healthy children and adults.  Many people naturally carry the bacteria in the back of their nose but only some fall ill.

 

Throughout the world an estimated one million children die annually from pneumococcal disease, the majority being in early infancy.

 

In 2007, there were 123 reported cases of invasive pneumococcal disease and 22 deaths in WA. 

 

Our research
2007 was the final year that the Institute monitored invasive pneumococcal disease through the Vaccine Impact Surveillance Network, which collects and analyses information on vaccine-preventable diseases and evaluates the impact of vaccines. The WA Health Department is taking over this activity in 2008.  From April 1, 1996 to December 31, 2007, a total of 1913 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease were recorded on the database.  Patterns of invasive pneumococcal disease have been changing and may be the result of epidemics of non-vaccine strains, limited uptake of vaccines and changes in surveillance practices.

 

We are also working with the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research to assess the safety and immune responses to pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in young Papua New Guinean infants.  The vaccine is being given to babies either at birth-one-two months or one-two-three months of age to see if immunisation in early life will protect them against pneumococci which causes acute respiratory infections and meningitis that can result in death.  In 2007, recruitment was completed with 319 babies taking part in the study and completing their three-month follow-up and vaccination.