Increase in PI-2 Pili in Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates
Author Information
Author(s): Zähner Dorothea, Gudlavalleti Aditya, Stephens David S.
Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Hypothesis
To define the prevalence of pilus islet 2 (PI-2)–encoded pili in Streptococcus pneumoniae in a geographically defined area.
Conclusion
The prevalence of PI-2 increased from approximately 3.6% in 1999 to 21% in 2006 among invasive pneumococcal isolates in Atlanta, particularly in emerging serotypes 7F and 19A.
Supporting Evidence
- In 2006, PI-2 was present in 21% of all invasive isolates.
- Only serotype 19F is included in the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine currently in use.
- The increase in PI-2 was predominantly due to the emergence of serotype 19A isolates.
Takeaway
Scientists studied bacteria that cause pneumonia and found that a specific part of the bacteria, called PI-2, became much more common over time, especially in certain types of these bacteria.
Methodology
The study involved examining 590 S. pneumoniae isolates from population-based surveillance of invasive pneumococcal disease collected between 1994 and 2006.
Limitations
The study is limited to a specific geographic area and may not represent global trends.
Participant Demographics
Isolates were collected from the metropolitan area of Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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