Identification of invasive serotype 1 pneumococcal isolates that express nonhemolytic pneumolysin.

ABSTRACT: Recently, there has been an increase in invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) caused by serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae throughout Europe. Serotype 1 IPD is associated with bacteremia and pneumonia in Europe and North America, especially in neonates, and is ranked among the top five most prevalent pneumococcal serotypes in at least 10 countries. The currently licensed pediatric pneumococcal vaccine does not afford protection to this serotype. Upon screening of 252 clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae, we discovered mutations in the pneumolysin gene of two out of the four serotype 1 strains present in the study group. Analysis of an additional 28 serotype 1 isolates from patients with IPD from various Scottish Health Boards, revealed that >50% had mutations in their pneumolysin genes. This

SUBMITTER: Kirkham LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1351962 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature