Effect of early measles vaccine on pneumococcal colonization: A randomized trial from Guinea-Bissau.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Measles vaccine (MV) may have non-specific beneficial effects for child health and particularly seems to prevent respiratory infections. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of bacterial pneumonia among children worldwide, and nasopharyngeal colonization precedes infection.

Objective

We investigated whether providing early MV at 18 weeks of age reduced pneumococcal colonization and/or density up to 9 months of age.

Method

The study was conducted in 2013-2014 in Guinea-Bissau. Pneumococcal vaccine was not part of the vaccination program. Infants aged 18 weeks were block-randomized 2:1 to early or no early MV; at age 9 months, all children were offered MV as per current policy. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken at baseline, age 6.5 months, and age 9 mo

SUBMITTER: Hansen NS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5435222 | biostudies-literature | 2017

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature