In News:

• Pfizer has introduced the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India.It offers protection against 20 pneumococcal serotypes, which are responsible for most pneumococcal diseases.

About Pneumococcal Disease

• Cause: Infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), an encapsulated bacterium with a polysaccharide capsule (major virulence factor).
• Serotypes: ~90 identified worldwide; only a few cause the majority of infections.

Types of Illness

• Mild: Ear infections, sinus infections.
• Severe:
  • Pneumonia
  • Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
  • Meningitis (CNS infection)

Public Health Burden

• Major global health concern.
• Most vulnerable groups: young children and the elderly.
• Mortality: Around 1 million child deaths annually due to pneumococcal disease.
• Transmission: Direct contact with respiratory secretions of patients or asymptomatic carriers.

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment: Antibiotics.
• Challenge: Rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance in pneumococci.
• Prevention: Vaccination remains the most effective strategy, especially for:
  • Children under 5 years
  • Elderly individuals
  • Immunocompromised patients