Pneumococcal meningitis in Cantabria (Spain) in the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine era (2001-2015).

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in children ≤ 14 years old following the market introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in our community.

METHODS: Retrospective study of pneumococcal meningitis cases with a two-period analysis: pre-13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) (2001-2010) and post-PCV13 (2010-2015). Patient demographic and clinical data, and microbiological data were collected.

RESULTS: Eighteen cases were diagnosed. The mean incidence in the pre-PCV13 period was 2.3/100 000, which reduced to 0.5/100 000 after the PCV13 introduction. The most commonly identified serotypes were 6A and 10A (pre-PCV13); 6B and 15B (post-PCV13, only 2 cases). Out of 18 patients, 13 were admitted to the intensive care unit. All cases were treated with cefotaxime, and 14/18 received dexamethasone. Six patients survived with sequelae, and 1 died.

CONCLUSION: A major reduction has been observed in the incidence of pneumococcal meningitis since the introduction of the PCV13 to the market, so an even greater reduction is expected following its systematic introduction.