Trends in Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in Italy (2007–2023): A mixed-effects model analysis of invasive pneumococcal disease
Irene Amoruso , Marco Fonzo , Simone Agostini , Francesca Russo , Vincenzo Baldo , Tatjana Baldovin , Chiara Bertoncello
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remains a significant public health concern despite the widespread implementation of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs). Shifts in serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, particularly in the post-PCV13 era, necessitate ongoing surveillance to inform vaccine and treatment policies.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of laboratory-confirmed IPD cases reported in the Veneto Region of north-eastern Italy between 2007 and 2023. Data were obtained from regional surveillance systems and included serotype, clinical presentation, demographics, and antimicrobial susceptibility. Trends in IPD incidence were modelled using negative binomial generalised linear mixed models (GLMM). Serotype distribution and AMR patterns were examined over time and in relation to age, sex, and clinical syndrome.
Results
A total of 59 pneumococcal serotypes were identified. Serotype 3 was most frequent, followed by 8 and 19 A. Significant increases were observed for serotype 8, while vaccine-included serotypes (e.g., 6 A, 23 F, 7 F) declined. AMR remained stable overall, with erythromycin and clindamycin resistance observed in 17.3 % and 13.2 % of isolates, respectively. Resistance was concentrated in serotypes 14, 15 A, and 19 A. Serotype 8 showed high prevalence but low resistance rates. The overall IPD incidence remained stable; however, a modest upward trend was observed in pre-COVID19 pandemic years.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight the evolving pneumococcal landscape in the post-PCV13 era, with emerging serotypes contributing significantly to IPD burden. The observed serotype-specific AMR patterns underscore the importance of integrated surveillance to support regionally tailored immunisation strategies and empirical therapy choices. Expanded-valency vaccines may offer broader protection against emerging serotypes.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Infection and Public Health, first official journal of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences and the Saudi Association for Public Health, aims to be the foremost scientific, peer-reviewed journal encompassing infection prevention and control, microbiology, infectious diseases, public health and the application of healthcare epidemiology to the evaluation of health outcomes. The point of view of the journal is that infection and public health are closely intertwined and that advances in one area will have positive consequences on the other.
The journal will be useful to all health professionals who are partners in the management of patients with communicable diseases, keeping them up to date. The journal is proud to have an international and diverse editorial board that will assist and facilitate the publication of articles that reflect a global view on infection control and public health, as well as emphasizing our focus on supporting the needs of public health practitioners.
It is our aim to improve healthcare by reducing risk of infection and related adverse outcomes by critical review, selection, and dissemination of new and relevant information in the field of infection control, public health and infectious diseases in all healthcare settings and the community.