Pneumococcal Disease is caused by STREPTOCOCCUC PNEUMONIAE. Which is commonly found in respiratory tract of ypung children and is spread by coughing or sneezing. Currently there are more than 90 known Pneumococcal types, but only 10% cause serious diseases worldwide.
The common types found in our region are 19A, 6A, 14, 16B, 19F and 23F. 19A is an emerging bacteria in the world which cause severe Pneumococcal Disease and is increasingly antibiotic resistant.
What does Pneumococcus Cause?
'Pneumococcus attack different parts of the body'
- Meningitis : Infection of lining of the brain and spinal cord
- Bacteremia: Infection in the bloodstream
- Pneumonia: Infection of the lung
- Otitis Media: Infection of the middle ear
Pneumococcal Disease is very serious and may lead to:
- Brain Damage
- Loss of Hearing
- Death
- Children younger than 5 years old
- Children attending day care centres
- Those who have weak immune systems
- Those suffering from chronic medical conditions (diabetes, heart, lung, kidney or liver disease)
Pneumococcal Disease can be treated with antibitics. In recent years, pneumococcal bacteria have been found to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics. This makes treatment difficult and results in longer hospitalisation and higher medical costs.
The best way to protect against Pneumococcal Disease is through vaccination. There are 2 types of pneumococcal vaccine currently available for chilldre:
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 10-valent ( PCV 10) which protect against 10 types of pneumococcal bacteria
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent ( PCV 13) protects aginast 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria including the emerging serotypes 19A
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