What is pneumococcus?

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a dangerous pathogen, especially for children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Pneumococcal diseases can cause many serious conditions such as pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and septicemia. Despite significant advances in medicine, the global disease burden caused by pneumococcus remains very high.

This article summarizes information on epidemiology, causative agents, modes of transmission, clinical symptoms, complications, and effective prevention measures – particularly the role of vaccines – in order to provide a comprehensive overview of pneumococcal diseases.

Global and Vietnam epidemiology

Global situation

Pneumococcus is one of the leading causes of death in children under five years old, accounting for up to 11% of total deaths in this age group. Pneumococcal diseases include pneumonia, otitis media, meningitis, and septicemia. Pneumonia is one of the most common conditions; global statistics show that every 39 seconds, one child dies from pneumonia. Acute otitis media is also very common in children under five, with approximately 350 million cases each year. Pneumococcal meningitis has a relatively high incidence, ranging from 3.5 to 7.4 cases per 100,000 people per year worldwide, and often leaves severe sequelae such as impaired learning ability, hearing loss, and seizures.

Situation in Vietnam

In Vietnam, pneumococcus is one of the main causes of pneumonia. Each year, approximately 2.9 million cases of pneumonia are recorded, including up to 4,000 deaths in children. The average mortality rate from pneumonia is 10–20% and may exceed 50% in young children. This demonstrates that the burden of pneumococcal disease in Vietnam is extremely concerning and requires effective preventive measures.

Causative agent

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is a Gram-positive bacterium that can cause disease when the body’s immune system is weakened. It is the main cause of serious conditions such as community-acquired pneumonia, meningitis in children and the elderly, and septicemia in people with underlying diseases, especially those infected with HIV.

Mode of transmission

Pneumococcus spreads easily through the respiratory tract. The bacteria can be transmitted from person to person via droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, kisses, or shares personal items. In addition, contact with asymptomatic carriers is also a common route of transmission.

Clinical manifestations

Pneumococcal disease usually has a sudden onset with symptoms such as high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, and productive cough. In young children, early signs may include fever, vomiting, and seizures. Other symptoms depend on the site of infection, such as meningitis or septicemia.

Complications of pneumococcal infection

Pneumococcal diseases can lead to many serious complications, including:

  • Pneumonia: Causes respiratory failure, particularly dangerous in young children and the elderly.
  • Otitis media: May cause permanent hearing damage.
  • Meningitis: Often leaves severe neurological sequelae and may be fatal.
  • Septicemia and septic shock: Extremely dangerous complications with high mortality rates.

Disease prevention measures

Pneumococcal diseases in Vietnam cause a significant economic, medical, and social burden. Antibiotic resistance in pneumococcus is becoming increasingly serious. Therefore, prevention of pneumococcal infections is urgent and should include:

  • Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life helps strengthen the immune system.
  • Environmental hygiene: Ensuring a clean and well-ventilated living environment to limit bacterial spread.
  • Proper nutrition: Providing adequate nutrients to strengthen immunity.
  • Keeping warm: Especially for children, to help prevent respiratory diseases.

Vaccination is the most effective, simple, and cost-efficient method to prevent pneumococcal diseases. Vaccines help protect against common pneumococcal strains, which are the main causes of severe illness.

Currently, two main pneumococcal vaccines are widely used:

  • Synflorix (PCV10) – Belgium: Indicated for children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, and septicemia.
  • Prevenar 13 (PCV13) – USA: Indicated for children from 2 months to 5 years old, children over 5 years, and adults – especially the elderly and people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, or smokers – to prevent pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, and septicemia.