Vol.64 No.4 July 2016
Effect of preventive vaccinations on the incidence of bacterial meningitis in children
1)Section of Pediatrics, Department of Medicine, Division of Oral and Medical Management, Fukuoka Dental College, 2-15-1 Tamura, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
2)Mie Hospital, National Hospital Organization
Abstract
Background: In Japan, the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was approved in 2008, and the seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was introduced in 2010. Both vaccines have been included in the National Immunization Program since April 2013. PCV7 was replaced by PCV13 in November 2013.
Methods: The effectiveness of the Hib vaccine and PCV in protecting against invasive bacterial disease (IBD), especially bacterial meningitis in children aged < 5 years, was evaluated in a nationwide active population-based survey conducted from 2008-2015 in 10 prefectures.
Results: As compared to the baseline (2008-2010), the prevalence of bacterial meningitis caused by Hib decreased by 100% in 2014. A 71% decrease in the prevalence was observed for meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Changes in the serotype prevalences in the pneumococcal isolates were recognized after introduction of PCV introduction.
Conclusion: Continuous nationwide population-based surveillance of IBD in children will be of value for evaluating the incidence and distribution of the causative serotypes, and provide data essential for assessing the effects of Hib vaccine and PCV.
Key word
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), serotype
Received
January 27, 2016
Accepted
March 11, 2016
Jpn. J. Chemother. 64 (4): 652-655, 2016
