Zuzana Krištúfková, Matej Mucska
Invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD), characterised by isolation of pneumococci from normally sterile site, are serious infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacteraemia/sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia with empyema are the most common types of IPDs. Among immunocompromised host and elderly, children are the most threatened group. Annually, about 1 million of children younger than 5 years die due to IPD according to estimates of World Health Organization (WHO). Primary prevention with conjugated vaccines is recommended in children for more than 10 years. After vaccine introduction, pneumococci are still object of research, especially in epidemiological field. In this mini-review we aimed to describe IPD types, epidemiological situation in Slovakia as well as in Europe, focusing on group of paediatric patients, in whom the burden of the disease is greatest. Certainly, introduction of mandatory pneumococcal vaccination had positive impact on health protection in children. Decrease of incidence was noted even though the surveillance was empowered. Despite the increase of serotypes not covered by vaccine was not proved, broader coverage led to massive protection and improved herd-effect.