Prospective surveillance of incidence, serotypes and antimicrobial susceptibility of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae among hospitalized children in Austria

Abstract

Objectives: This study was undertaken to analyse incidence rates, serotype distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from hospitalized children up to 5 years of age with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), including meningitis, in Austria. Methods: From February 2001–January 2003, nationwide prospective surveillance was conducted that included all paediatric hospitals and clinical microbiological laboratories. All invasive pneumococci isolated were serotyped and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Results: The mean annual incidence rates of IPD per 10 000 population for the age groups Conclusions: The IPD incidence rate was similar, and serotype coverage of the 7-valent conjugated vaccine marginally superior, to Germany. The surprisingly high level of antimicrobial resistance among invasive isolates considerably amplifies the potential impact of a childhood pneumococcal vaccination programme in Austria.