M.I. Epidemiological aspects of pneumococcal meningitis in the Russian Federation

Objective. To assess the relevance of the problem associated with pneumococcal meningitis (PCM) in the Russian Federation during the period 2010-2018 and to determine the serotypic characteristics of pneumococcal strains. Materials and methods. Data were collected in accordance with Russian Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being (RFSSCRPHW) letter No. 01/9620-0-32 «On the interaction of territorial RFSSCRPHW bodies with the Reference Center for Bacterial Meningitis Monitoring» dated June 29, 2010. A total of 123pneumococcal strains isolated from the cerebrospinal fluid or blood of PCM patients were studied in 2014 to 2017. Results. The incidence of PCM tends to increase in the Russian Federation. The highest incidence rates were found in a group of children less than 5 years of age. The highest mortality rates in the study period were noted in a group of people over 45 years of age; the maximum (25%) rate was recorded among people aged over 65 years in 2018. The correspondence of invasive pneumococcal strains to the serotypes included in the PCV13 vaccine was 70%. Conclusion. It is necessary to continue a close epidemiological surveillance of PCM and to expand the coverage of immunization with conjugated pneumococcal vaccines in children and adults of the Russian Federation.

pneumococcal infection, pneumococcus, meningitis, serotype