THE EFFECT OF PNEUMOCOCCAL CONJUGATE VACCINE ON PNEUMOCOCCAL CARRIAGE AND INVASIVE DISEASE

Pneumococcal infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adults worldwide. Acquisition and carriage of pneumococci are essential for the development of pneumococcal invasive (bacteremia, meningitis) and non-invasive disease. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) differ from the polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) in its enhanced immunity and ability to prevent carriage of pneumococci. With the implementation of PCV to pediatric vaccination programs in different countries, we witnessed a change in the patterns of pneumococcal carriage and illness. In this review the authors present some of the changes that were observed with the implantation of PCV in Israel and other countries regarding pneumococcal carriage and invasive disease, with emphasis on the direct and indirect effect of this vaccine.