Epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in the city of Kenora, Ontario, Canada, and surrounding area (2010-2016)

Abstract

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a recognized important pathogen in Indigenous populations in the Sioux Lookout area of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. This study investigates the current epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in the Kenora area of Northwestern Ontario, which has a relatively large Indigenous population (30%). Methods: Data from January 2010 to December 2016 were retrieved from retrospective chart review at a hospital servicing a population of 19,380. Results: Thirty-one cases of IPD were identified. Regional incidence (26.6/100,000/year) is nearly three times the national rate (9.0/100,000/year). In adults, 66.7% of cases were caused by serotypes included in the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. All pediatric IPD cases were caused by serotypes not included in the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. Ninety per cent of cases had confirmed underlying disease. Conclusions: In the Kenora area, IPD incidence is comparable to incidence in the Sioux Lookout area. Improvement of pneumococcal vaccination uptake in senior and high-risk populations is required.