Invasive Pneumococcal Disease , New Mexico , 2006 – 2010

pneumococcal disease (IPD) is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and is considered invasive when bacteria are isolated from a normally sterile body site, such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid. 1 According to the World Health Organization, pneumo-coccal disease is a public health concern for children and adults worldwide. In the U.S., the estimate of IPD between 2006 and 2009 was approximately 14.1 cases per 100,000 population per year. The estimated national death rate from IPD between 2006 –2009 was 1.6 deaths per 100,000 population per year. Surveillance for IPD is conducted through the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) program, a 10-site network collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2004, New Mexico began participating in the Active Bacterial Core Surveillance (ABCs) program, a component of the national Emerging Infections Program (EIP). Through the program, NM conducts surveillance for cases of IPD as well as four other invasive bacterial pathogens. When IPD is diagnosed in a New Mexico resident, a review of the medical chart is conducted by an NM EIP Surveillance Officer using a standardized case report form. S. pneumoniae isolates are sent to the NM Department of Health (NMDOH) Scientific Laboratory Division (SLD), state public health lab where they are sub-cultured, logged, and shipped to the CDC, or a CDC contract laboratory for further testing, including serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. CDC uses the information to calculate national estimates of IPD, summaries of trends in antimicrobial resistance of S. pneumoniae, and sero-type information for vaccine development. Risk of infection with IPD is greater among certain ages and racial/ethnic groups. Persons at higher risk of IPD infection included the elderly (aged>65 years), and children aged less than two years. Risk is increased in children or adults attending or working in day care centers, immunocompromised individuals, and those who are Black or American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN). 1 The AIAN population has historically experienced higher rates of disease, including IPD, compared to the White U.S. population. 4 Risk of infection with drug resistant S. pneumoniae is increased among persons who have recently completed antimicrobial therapy. Vaccination is the only available tool in preventing pneumococcal disease, especially among high risk groups, and developing antim-icrobial resistance highlights the need for use of effective vaccines. Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, targeting seven pneumococcal serotypes was licensed in the United States for children on February 17, 2000. After the introduction of the PCV7 …