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The pneumococcus continues to attack in Colombia
Although Colombia is the world leader in vaccination against pneumococcus , are increasing in the country disease rates from four strains of the bacteria responsible for hospital admissions and deaths from pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis and otitis.According to figures from the National Institutes of Health , infections caused by serotypes 1, 3, 6B and 19A doubled between 2008 and 2010 and now represent nearly 40% of patients with invasive pneumococcal disease in children under 6 years, the population most vulnerable.
The situation was exacerbated by the winter season , given that the pneumococcus is the leading cause of complications of viral diseases in both children and adults older. Also, because some of these serotypes have become resistant to the action of antibiotics .
So the administration of vaccines is vital. Currently there are three available for the pediatric population: one that protects against seven serotypes and the protection reached 52% against 10 other serotypes and covers 67%, and another that protects against 13 serotypes (call 13 equivalent) and has a protection 91%.
In Colombia over the past year has been introduced 13 valent vaccine for children under 2 years. A decision in line with that taken by other countries, taking into account that pneumococcal disease accounts for 48% of all deaths could be prevented with vaccines and the immune-most lethal pathogen in Latin America.
According to the World Health Organization , this bacterium causes 1.6 million deaths each year in the world, of which about one million occur in children under 5 years. In Latin America, claiming the lives of two children per hour and is annually responsible for 20,200 deaths of children under 5 years (16,960 and 3,240 for pneumonia meningitis).
Associated with pneumococcal disease
A disease that causes pneumonia is pneumonia , formerly known as pneumonia. Is identified as an alteration of the respiratory system, low oxygen and cardiopulmonary failure eventually. Is more severe in children 3 and over 60 years and although it is well treated no sequelae, if you take care, can lead to asthma and recurrent bronchitis.
Another disease caused by pneumococcus is meningitis , an infection of the membranes covering the brain tissue. It is characterized by the appearance of pus in the area and its main symptoms are high fever, headache and vomiting. Can lead to seizures and neurological impairment and auditory conditions.
The sepsis , an infection throughout the body via the blood is another legacy of pneumococcus. If bacteria infect the bloodstream can cause meningitis, or damage to the heart, kidneys or liver. Its symptoms are fever and condition of bodily functions. Sequelae can be treated liver, kidney or heart, depending on the tissue has been compromised.
The pneumococcus also causes ear acute inflammation of the middle ear. This cavity are easily infected with colds, congestion, toxic fumes, house dust and animal hair. Its symptoms are fever and acute ear pain, ear infections, although there are silent. If properly treated no sequelae, but if repeated three or more times can cause hearing loss or impairment of language development