Geographic variation in invasive pneumococcal disease following pneumococcal conjugate vaccine introduction in the United States.

Background: Rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) varied among the United States before pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) introduction. We compared trends in IPD rates among diverse US sites over 10 years since PCV7 introduction.

Methods: Patients with IPD of all ages were identified through active population and laboratory-based surveillance in 8 geographic areas under continuous surveillance during 1998-2009.

Epidemiologic investigation of immune-mediated polyradiculoneuropathy among abattoir workers exposed to porcine brain.

Background: In October 2007, a cluster of patients experiencing a novel polyradiculoneuropathy was identified at a pork abattoir (Plant A). Patients worked in the primary carcass processing area (warm room); the majority processed severed heads (head-table). An investigation was initiated to determine risk factors for illness.

Effect of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine on pneumococcal meningitis.

Background: Invasive pneumococcal disease declined among children and adults after the introduction of the pediatric heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in 2000, but its effect on pneumococcal meningitis is unclear.

Methods: We examined trends in pneumococcal meningitis from 1998 through 2005 using active, population-based surveillance data from eight sites in the United States. Isolates were grouped into PCV7 serotypes (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F, and 23F), PCV7-related serotypes (6A, 9A, 9L, 9N, 18A, 18B, 18F, 19B, 19C, 23A, and 23B), and non-PCV7 serotypes (all others).

The changing epidemiology of pneumococcal pulmonary disease in the era of the heptavalent vaccine.

Since the pediatric pneumococcal 7-valent conjugate vaccine was licensed in the United States, dramatic changes have taken place in the occurrence of pneumococcal disease among children and adults. Incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease including bacteremic pneumonia has declined, but changes in noninvasive pulmonary disease have been more difficult to assess. This paper reviews evidence of the epidemiologic features of invasive pneumococcal disease and community-acquired pneumonia among children and adults since 2000.

Invasive pneumococcal disease among infants before and after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Context: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a serious infection in young infants. A heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) was licensed in 2000 and recommended for all children aged 2 to 23 months.

Objective: To determine the rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in young infants before and after PCV7 was incorporated into the childhood immunization schedule in June 2000.

Changing epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease among older adults in the era of pediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Context: A conjugate vaccine targeting 7 pneumococcal serotypes was licensed for young children in 2000. In contrast to the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine used in adults, the 7-valent conjugate vaccine affects pneumococcal carriage and transmission. Early after its introduction, incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease declined among older adults, a group at high risk for pneumococcal disease.