Burden of pneumococcal disease among adults in Southern Europe (Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece): a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim was to summarize pneumococcal disease burden data among adults in Southern Europe and the potential impact of vaccines on epidemiology. Of 4779 identified studies, 272 were selected. Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence was 15.08 (95% CI 11.01-20.65) in Spain versus 2.56 (95% CI 1.54-4.24) per 100,000 population in Italy. Pneumococcal pneumonia incidence was 19.59 (95% CI 10.74-35.74) in Spain versus 2.19 (95% CI 1.36-3.54) per 100,000 population in Italy. Analysis of IPD incidence in Spain comparing pre-and post- PCV7 and PCV13 periods unveiled a declining trend in vaccine-type IPD incidence (larger and statistically significant for the elderly), suggesting indirect effects of childhood vaccination programme. Data from Portugal, Greece and, to a lesser extent, Italy were sparse, thus improved surveillance is needed. Pneumococcal vaccination uptake, particularly among the elderly and adults with chronic and immunosuppressing conditions, should be improved, including shift to a higher-valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccine when available.

Automated summary

The study found that the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in Spain was significantly higher than in Italy, and the indirect protective effects of vaccination for children were apparent.