Conjugate vaccines and pneumococcal disease in Ecuador [Las vacunas conjugadas y la enfermedad neumocócica en Ecuador]

Abstract

Introduction: Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for invasive and noninvasive infections in children under 5 and adults over 65 years, the pathologies associated with this pathogen are pneumonia, ear infections, bacteremia, sepsis and meningitis. According to the World Health Organization, one million children die every year due to this pathogen. In Ecuador in 2011, pneumonia was reported to be the first cause of morbidity in the general population and the second cause of death in children, becoming a public health problem. Objective: To identify the most cost-effective anti pneumococcal vaccine in Ecuador according to our population needs. Methodology: Analyzing data from local, regional and international databases as well as the latest evidence related with pneumococcal disease. Results: The tridecavalente vaccine (PCV13) has local, regional and international data supporting its use and implementation in the child vaccination schedule. Conclusion: Data from SIREVA suggest that current vaccination strategy in the country does not cover all circulating serotypes; hence, the importance of expanding serotypes coverage with the tridecavalente vaccine.