Implications of nonencapsulated Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage for maintenance of antibiotic resistance genes and the efficacy of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prenevar) for pneumococcal disease. (SPINICA)

• Reach:

  NT

• Focus area:

  Indigenous

• Status:

  Completed

• Evaluated:

  No

• Time frame:

  1 January 2006 - 31 December 2009

Overview

Project aim:
The pneumococcus is a bacterium that causes diseases such as pneumonia and middle ear infections, especially in children. All children in Australia now receive a vaccine called Prevenar which protects from disease caused by 7 types of pneumococcus. Studies have shown that the remaining types of pneumococcus not included in the vaccine will now become more prevalent (replacement types). The current proposal will look at non-encapsulated pneumococcus which is an important replacement type in Aboriginal children who have been vaccinated with Prevenar. Previously this type of pneumococcus received little attention, and little is understood about its epidemiology. This study will help the understanding of its relationship to other pneumococci, and its potential role as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance for pneumococci.

Project activities:
Nonencapsulated pneumococci are the most common pneumococcal type colonising Indigenous children in remote communities. This study will improve the understanding of their role in maintaining the high rates of pneumococcal colonisation (eg. by escape from vaccine-induced antibodies), and as a reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes.

Contacts

Child Health Division
Menzies School of Health Research
PO Box 41096
Casurina NT 0811
Ph: (08) 8922 8196
Fax: (08) 8927 5187
Email: earinfonet@menzies.edu.au

Links

• View information: Menzies project information
• View website: Menzies School of Health Research