Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae in rural Gambian villages: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND. To prepare for national introduction of a pneumococcal vaccine of restricted valency, we studied the pattern of nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae and its transmission in Gambian villages over time. METHODS.

Seasonality and outbreak of a predominant Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 clone from The Gambia: expansion of ST217 hypervirulent clonal complex in West Africa.

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 1 causes > 20% of invasive disease, among all age groups combined, in The Gambia. In contrast, it is rarely detected in carriage studies. This study compares the molecular epidemiology of S.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Gambian infants: a longitudinal study.

Background: To prepare for national introduction of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine of restricted valency, we studied nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Gambian infants.

Methods: We studied 236 infants in 21 villages. We collected nasopharyngeal swab samples at birth, twice per month for 6 months, and every second month until 1 year of age.

Nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Gambian villagers.

Background: To prepare for the introduction of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine of restricted valency, we studied the nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Gambian villagers.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 21 villages after a census. We recorded demographic characteristics, information on medical history, and data on possible risk factors for carriage from subjects.

Serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae causing invasive disease in The Gambia 1996-2003.

Objectives: To describe the characteristics of pneumococcal isolates obtained from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease in The Gambia.

Methods: Pneumococcal isolates were obtained from children aged < or =6 years with invasive pneumococcal disease during a Haemophilus influenzae vaccine effectiveness study (1997-2002) and from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease admitted to the MRC hospital, Fajara, for routine care (1996-2003). Isolates were identified, serotyped and tested for antibiotic susceptibility.