Two Parallel Headless Compression Screws for Scaphoid Fractures: Radiographic Analysis and Preliminary Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Despite surgical fixation, the scaphoid nonunion rate remains at 3% to 5%. Recent biomechanical studies have demonstrated increased stability with 2-screw constructs. The objective of our study is to determine the preliminary union rate and anatomic feasibility of 2-screw surgical fixation for scaphoid fractures. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case series of 25 patients (average age 32 years) with scaphoid fractures treated with 2 parallel headless compression screws (HCS). Postoperative evaluation included Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), range of motion, time to union, and return to activity. Bivariate analysis for gender and Pearson correlation coefficient for body size (height, weight, and body mass index) was conducted against radiographically measured scaphoid width, screw lengths, and the distance between the 2 screws. RESULTS: All fractures healed with an average time to union of 9.9 weeks (median 7.6 weeks; range: 4.1-28.3). The mean MWS was 93.3 (range: 55-100), with 3 complications (12%), one of which affected the outcome of the surgery. The bivariate analysis demonstrated that the female gender was associated with significantly smaller scaphoid width (P = .004) but a similar distance between the 2 screws (P = .281). The distance between the 2 screws and the body size demonstrated a weak-to-no correlation. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-screw construct for scaphoid fracture achieved a favorable union rate and clinical outcome. Gender was the only variable significantly associated with scaphoid width and screw length. The distance between the screws was constant regardless of gender and body size, indicating that the technique for parallel screw placement can remain consistent. TYPE OF STUDY: Therapeutic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Hedgehog-Transmitted Trichophyton erinaceid Causing Painful Bullous Tinea Manuum.

Trichophyton is a species of fungus that commonly infects hedgehogs. As the popularity of keeping hedgehogs as pets increases, there have been reports of Trichophyton species infection in humans. Diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Trichophyton infection can be delayed owing to physicians' low index of suspicion and unfamiliarity with the physical manifestations. We describe a case of a 27-year-old healthy man who developed tinea manuum after handling a pet hedgehog. Presenting symptoms included a worsening bullous eruption and severe pain. Both fungal and histopathological study confirmed Trichophyton infection. He was treated with oral and topical antifungal medication. All symptoms resolved 2 weeks after initiation of treatment.

Cat-to-Human Transmission of Mycobacterium bovis, United Kingdom.

Human infection with Mycobacterium bovis is reported infrequently in the United Kingdom. Most cases involve previous consumption of unpasteurized milk. We report a rare occurrence of 2 incidents of cat-to-human transmission of M. bovis during a cluster of infection in cats.

Radiographic Outcomes of a Percutaneous, Reproducible Distal Metatarsal Osteotomy for Mild and Moderate Bunions: A Multicenter Study.

Hallux valgus is a prevalent condition. Many open surgical methods of correction have been described. We performed a percutaneous, extra-articular distal metatarsal osteotomy for mild to moderate bunion deformity. The minimally invasive technique was used in 217 feet (180 patients; age 49 ± 4.7 years, mean ± standard deviation) at 4 centers in North America (Center 1: November 2012 to March 2017; Center 2: January 2010 to May 2016; Center 3: October 2013 to June 2016; Center 4: January 2015 to June 2017). The procedure was used in simultaneous bilateral cases in 28 patients (15.6%) and in nonsimultaneous bilateral cases in 9 patients (5.0%). Immediate postoperative weightbearing was used in all cases. The mean preoperative intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle, and tibial sesamoid position were 14.6° ± 3.5°, 30.7° ± 7.8°, and 5.4 ± 1.4, respectively. At final follow-up of 9.3 ± 6.1 months, the mean intermetatarsal angle, hallux abductus angle, and tibial sesamoid position were 4.7° ± 2.8°, 8.4° ± 6.1°, and 2.0 ± 1.0, respectively (p < .0001 for all comparisons). No major complications were noted. All 217 osteotomies achieved union; 3 feet (1.4%) in 3 patients (1.7%) experienced asymptomatic malunion. Superficial pin-site infection was seen in 42 (19.4%) of the 217 feet (39 patients, 21.7%). The radiographic results of this percutaneous technique appear to be reproducible across multiple centers, and the technique is useful when correcting intermetatarsal and hallux abductus angles. This percutaneous osteotomy for realignment of the first ray allows immediate postoperative weightbearing and, in this initial review, appears to be safe and effective, even in simultaneous bilateral cases.

Identifying potential emerging threats through epidemic intelligence activities-looking for the needle in the haystack?

BACKGROUND: Epidemic intelligence (EI) for emerging infections is the process of identifying key information on emerging infectious diseases and specific incidents. Automated web-based infectious disease surveillance technologies are available; however, human input is still needed to review, validate, and interpret these sources. In this study, entries captured by Public Health England's (PHE) manual event-based EI system were examined to inform future intelligence gathering activities. METHODS: A descriptive analysis of unique events captured in a database between 2013 and 2017 was conducted. The top five diseases in terms of the number of entries were described in depth to determine the effectiveness of PHE's EI surveillance system compared to other sources. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2017, a total of 22 847 unique entries were added to the database. The top three initial and definitive information sources varied considerably by disease. Ebola entries dominated the database, making up 23.7% of the total, followed by Zika (11.8%), Middle East respiratory syndrome (6.7%), cholera (5.5%), and yellow fever and undiagnosed morbidity (both 3.3%). Initial reports of major outbreaks due to the top five disease agents were picked up through the manual system prior to being publicly reported by official sources. CONCLUSIONS: PHE's manual EI process quickly and accurately detected global public health threats at the earliest stages and allowed for monitoring of events as they evolved.

Arthroscopic Elbow Contracture Release in the Pediatric Patient.

BACKGROUND: Elbow contracture is a sequelae of elbow trauma in pediatric patients. Arthroscopic contracture release has been shown to provide equivalent results to open contracture release with less associated morbidity and complications in the adult population. However, open contracture release is still commonly utilized in pediatric patients. The goal of this study is to determine the clinical results and safety profile of arthroscopic elbow contracture release in the pediatric population. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients 18 years of age and younger who underwent arthroscopic elbow contracture release was performed. Demographic statistics, indication for surgery, preoperative and postoperative flexion-extension and pronation-supination range of motion, and all complications were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were identified as having undergone 29 arthroscopic elbow contracture releases. The most common index injury was elbow contracture after radial head fracture. The flexion-extension arc of motion improved from 93.0±39.9 degrees to 128.0±19.2 degrees for a total improvement of 35.2 degrees (P=0.0002), whereas the pronation-supination arc of motion improved from 141.0±58.6 degrees to 153±49.3 degrees for a total improvement of 12.2 degrees (P=0.097). There were 7 total complications. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic elbow contracture release allows for restoration of range of motion with an acceptable safety profile and can be considered as a less invasive alternative to open contracture release in the pediatric population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Risk Factors for Staphylococcus aureus Nasal Colonization in Joint Arthroplasty Patients.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus) nasal colonization is associated with surgical site infection and that preoperative decolonization can reduce infection rates. Up to 30% of joint arthroplasty patients have positive S aureus nasal swabs. Patient risk factors for colonization remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a specific patient population at increased risk of S aureus nasal colonization. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 716 patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty beginning in 2011. All patients were screened preoperatively for nasal colonization. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess risk factors for nasal colonization. RESULTS: A total of 716 patients undergoing joint arthroplasty had preoperative nasal screening. One hundred twenty-five (17.50%) nasal swabs were positive for methicillin-susceptible S aureus (MSSA), 13 (1.80%) were positive for methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), and 84 (11.70%) were positive for other organisms. In bivariate analysis, diabetes (P = .04), renal insufficiency (P = .03), and immunosuppression (P = .02) were predictors of nasal colonization with MSSA/MRSA. In multivariate analysis, immunosuppression (P = .04; odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.71) and renal insufficiency (P = .04; odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-6.18) were independent predictors of nasal colonization with MSSA/MRSA. CONCLUSION: Overall, 17.5% of patients undergoing primary hip or knee arthroplasty screened positive for S aureus. Diabetes, renal insufficiency, and immunosuppression are risk factors for such colonization. Given that these comorbidities are already known independent risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection, these patients should be particularly screened and when necessary, decolonized.

The Epidemiology of Q Fever in England and Wales 2000-2015.

Between 2000 and 2015, 904 cases of acute Q fever were reported in England and Wales. The case dataset had a male to female ratio of 2.5:1, and a median age of 45 years. Two outbreaks were recognised during this time period, and the incidence of sporadic cases was highest across the southwest of England, and Wales. There are limitations in the surveillance system for Q fever, including possible geographical differences in reporting and limited epidemiological data collection. The surveillance system needs to be strengthened in order to improve the quality and completeness of the epidemiological dataset. The authors conclude with recommendations on how to achieve this.

Pediatric elbow arthroscopy: indications and safety.

BACKGROUND: Elbow arthroscopy is a minimally invasive means by which to treat a variety of acute and chronic elbow conditions. Although the safety and efficacy is well documented in the adult population, comparatively little information is available about the role of elbow arthroscopy in the pediatric population. This study reports the indications for and safety of elbow arthroscopy in a series of pediatric patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed from 2001 to 2015 of a surgical database at a single institution. All elbow arthroscopies performed in patients aged 18 years and younger were reviewed. Indications for surgery, perioperative and postoperative complications, further surgical intervention, and descriptive demographic information were recorded. RESULTS: We identified 64 elbow arthroscopic procedures in 59 patients. The average age at the time of surgery was 11.8 years. Indications for the arthroscopic surgery included contracture release (45.3%), closed reduction and fixation for fracture (20.3%), treatment of osteochondritis dissecans (20.3%), diagnostic arthroscopy (7.8%), and débridement (6.3%). The overall complication rate was 17.2%, with a major and minor complication rate of 6.3% and 10.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Elbow arthroscopy has applications in the pediatric population with an acceptable safety profile. The techniques and indications continue to evolve.

Acute Hand Ischemia Following Elective Venous Sclerotherapy for Dorsal Hand Varicose Veins.

Venous sclerotherapy is an emerging cosmetic treatment option for dorsal hand varicose veins. Although venous sclerotherapy is considered a safe and effective procedure for treatment of venous malformations and varicosities in both the upper and lower extremities, inadvertent injection of the sclerosing agent into the arterial system has led to reported instances of acute ischemic events and distal limb necrosis. This is a rare but well-documented complication of lower-extremity venous sclerotherapy. Only 2 cases have been reported in upper-extremity venous sclerotherapy, both of which occurred during treatment of complex vascular malformations. We report an instance of acute, distal digit ischemia after elective venous sclerotherapy for a dorsal hand varicosity. As this procedure grows in popularity, it is essential for hand surgeons to be aware of this rare but potentially devastating complication.

Healthy animals, healthy people: zoonosis risk from animal contact in pet shops, a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Around 67 million pets are owned by households in the United Kingdom, and an increasing number of these are exotic animals. Approximately a third of pets are purchased through retail outlets or direct from breeders. A wide range of infections can be associated with companion animals. OBJECTIVES: This study uses a systematic literature review to describe the transmission of zoonotic disease in humans associated with a pet shop or other location selling pets (incidents of rabies tracebacks and zoonoses from pet food were excluded). DATA SOURCES: PubMed and EMBASE. RESULTS: Fifty seven separate case reports or incidents were described in the 82 papers that were identified by the systematic review. Summary information on each incident is included in this manuscript. The infections include bacterial, viral and fungal diseases and range in severity from mild to life threatening. Infections associated with birds and rodents were the most commonly reported. Over half of the reports describe incidents in the Americas, and three of these were outbreaks involving more than 50 cases. Many of the incidents identified relate to infections in pet shop employees. LIMITATIONS: This review may have been subject to publication bias, where unusual and unexpected zoonotic infections may be over-represented in peer-reviewed publications. It was also restricted to English-language articles so that pathogens that are more common in non-Western countries, or in more exotic animals not common in Europe and the Americas, may have been under-represented. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: A wide spectrum of zoonotic infections are acquired from pet shops. Salmonellosis and psittacosis were the most commonly documented diseases, however more unusual infections such as tularemia also appeared in the review. Given their potential to spread zoonotic infection, it is important that pet shops act to minimise the risk as far as possible.

Causes of encephalitis and differences in their clinical presentations in England: a multicentre, population-based prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Encephalitis has many causes, but for most patients the cause is unknown. We aimed to establish the cause and identify the clinical differences between causes in patients with encephalitis in England. METHODS: Patients of all ages and with symptoms suggestive of encephalitis were actively recruited for 2 years (staged start between October, 2005, and November, 2006) from 24 hospitals by clinical staff. Systematic laboratory testing included PCR and antibody assays for all commonly recognised causes of infectious encephalitis, investigation for less commonly recognised causes in immunocompromised patients, and testing for travel-related causes if indicated. We also tested for non-infectious causes for acute encephalitis including autoimmunity. A multidisciplinary expert team reviewed clinical presentation and hospital tests and directed further investigations. Patients were followed up for 6 months after discharge from hospital. FINDINGS: We identified 203 patients with encephalitis. Median age was 30 years (range 0-87). 86 patients (42%, 95% CI 35-49) had infectious causes, including 38 (19%, 14-25) herpes simplex virus, ten (5%, 2-9) varicella zoster virus, and ten (5%, 2-9) Mycobacterium tuberculosis; 75 (37%, 30-44) had unknown causes. 42 patients (21%, 15-27) had acute immune-mediated encephalitis. 24 patients (12%, 8-17) died, with higher case fatality for infections from M tuberculosis (three patients; 30%, 7-65) and varicella zoster virus (two patients; 20%, 2-56). The 16 patients with antibody-associated encephalitis had the worst outcome of all groups-nine (56%, 30-80) either died or had severe disabilities. Patients who died were more likely to be immunocompromised than were those who survived (OR = 3·44). INTERPRETATION: Early diagnosis of encephalitis is crucial to ensure that the right treatment is given on time. Extensive testing substantially reduced the proportion with unknown cause, but the proportion of cases with unknown cause was higher than that for any specific identified cause. FUNDING: The Policy Research Programme, Department of Health, UK.

Invasive non-typhoid salmonellae establish systemic intracellular infection in HIV-infected adults: an emerging disease pathogenesis.

BACKGROUND: Salmonellae are facultative intracellular pathogens. Non-typhoid salmonellae (NTS) cause self-limiting mucosal disease in immunocompetent adults but invasive, recurrent disease among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults in Africa. The importance of intracellular NTS infection in HIV is unknown. METHODS: We performed quantitative pour-plate culture of blood samples obtained during febrile events among 495 Malawian adults on 871 occasions, and NTS were isolated at 158 events. Ninety-eight percent were HIV infected, with a median CD4 count of 67 cells/microL. Lysis of pour plates and gentamicin exclusion testing were used to investigate the presence of intracellular NTS in blood and bone marrow. RESULTS: Total viable NTS counts in blood were low (1 colony-forming unit [CFU]/mL) but correlated independently with lower CD4 count and with IL-10 and IL-6 levels, especially at recurrence, suggesting failure to clear intracellular infection. Viable NTS load in blood and bone marrow were closely correlated at index events, but NTS were significantly concentrated in bone marrow, compared with blood samples, at recurrences (6 vs 1 CFU/mL), suggesting systemic tissue replication. Both lysis-pour-plating and gentamicin exclusion testing demonstrated intracellular infection with >1 CFU/cell in both blood and bone marrow specimens. Intracellular bacteria were demonstrated in bone marrow at both index and recurrent events, showing that this is an early and enduring feature of pathogenesis, but intracellular NTS were detected in blood only at index events, particularly in patients with a CD4 count <50 cells/microL. Intravascular NTS at recurrence may therefore reflect extracellular "overspill" from an intracellular sanctuary site, following failure of immunological control. CONCLUSIONS: Invasive NTS have established a new and emerging pathogenesis in the context of HIV infection in Africa.

Epidemics of invasive Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis and S. enterica Serovar typhimurium infection associated with multidrug resistance among adults and children in Malawi.

BACKGROUND: Nontyphoidal salmonellae (NTS) have become the most common cause of bacteremia in tropical Africa, particularly among susceptible children and HIV-infected adults. METHODS: We describe 4956 episodes of NTS bacteremia (2439 episodes in adults and 2517 episodes in children) that occurred in Blantyre, Malawi, during the 7-year period 1998-2004. RESULTS: A total of 75% of the cases of NTS bacteremia were due to Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, and 21% were due to S. enterica serovar Enteritidis. Epidemic increases in the incidence of NTS bacteremia were seen sequentially, occurring first among cases caused by S. Enteritidis and then among cases caused by S. Typhimurium. Increased incidence of bacteremia was temporally associated with the acquisition of multidrug resistance to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and chloramphenicol by each serovar and occurred while the incidence of infection due to other common bloodstream pathogens remained constant. These epidemics were observed among adults and children. A seasonal pattern was also seen, with increased incidence during and after the rainy season. The median age of the patients was 32 years among adults and 22 months among children. Acquisition of multidrug-resistant infection was not associated with an increased case-fatality rate among children (22%), and the case-fatality rate among adults showed a significant trend toward decreasing (from 29% to 20%). CONCLUSIONS: These data have important implications for the treatment of severe febrile illness in adults and children in tropical Africa. Further understanding of the molecular basis of these epidemics of multidrug-resistant NTS infection, including ongoing whole-genome sequencing of multidrug-resistant isolates, will yield important tools for the study of NTS pathogenesis, transmission, epidemiology, and prevention.

Specimens and culture media for the laboratory diagnosis of typhoid fever.

BACKGROUND: Culture of S. Typhi is necessary for the definitive diagnosis of typhoid fever and provides isolates for antibiotic susceptibility testing and epidemiological studies. However, current methods are not fully optimised and sourcing culture media and bottles for culture media may be problematic. METHODOLOGY: In two hospital laboratories in Viet Nam, comparisons of media for blood and stool culture were conducted. The effect of the volume of blood or stool on culture positivity rate was examined and direct plating of the blood buffy coat was trialed. RESULTS: For 148 suspected typhoid fever cases, ox bile broth (58 positive) and brain-heart infusion broth containing saponin (63 positive), performed equally well. For 69 confirmed adult typhoid fever cases, large-volume (15 ml) blood culture gave the same sensitivity as 1 ml of bone marrow culture. For 44 confirmed typhoid fever cases, the direct plating of the buffy coat was positive in 28 cases. For 263 positive stool cultures, selenite F and selenite mannitol performed equally well and culturing 2 g rather than 1g increased the isolation rate by 10.5%. CONCLUSIONS: For the diagnosis of typhoid fever by blood culture the medium should be a rich nutrient broth containing a lysing agent. In adults 1 ml bone marrow or 15 ml blood culture gave similar results. Where isolates are needed for susceptibility testing or epidemiological studies, but resources for culture are scarce, direct plating of the blood buffy coat can be used with a 50% fall in sensitivity compared to standard blood culture.

Bacteremia in Malawian children with severe malaria: prevalence, etiology, HIV coinfection, and outcome.

BACKGROUND: Previous prospective studies of bacteremia in African children with severe malaria have mainly included children with cerebral malaria, and no study has examined the impact of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We examined the prevalence and etiology of bacteremia and the impact of HIV infection on bacteremia in Malawian children with severe malaria, as well as the impact of bacteremia and HIV infection on outcome. METHODS: From 1996 until 2005, blood for culture was obtained on admission from all children admitted with severe malaria during the rainy season to the Paediatric Research Ward at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi. HIV testing was performed prospectively from 2001 to 2005 and retrospectively for those admitted from 1996 to 2000. Multivariate regression analysis examined independent risk factors for bacteremia and death. RESULTS: Sixty-four (4.6%) of 1388 children with severe malaria had bacteremia; nontyphoidal Salmonellae (NTS) accounted for 58% of all bacteremias. The prevalence of any bacteremia and of NTS bacteremia was highest in children with severe malarial anemia (11.7% and 7.6%), compared with the prevalence in children with cerebral malaria and severe anemia (4.7% and 3.8%) and in those with cerebral malaria alone (3.0% and 0.9%). HIV infection status was determined in 1119 patients. HIV prevalence was 16% (and was highest in those with severe malaria anemia, at 20.4%), but HIV infection was not significantly associated with bacteremia. Neither bacteremia nor HIV infection was associated with death. CONCLUSIONS: Antibiotics are not routinely indicated for children with severe malaria in this region, in which HIV is endemic. However, antibiotic therapy should be used to treat NTS infection if bacteremia is suspected in children with severe malarial anemia.

Treatable factors associated with severe anaemia in adults admitted to medical wards in Blantyre, Malawi, an area of high HIV seroprevalence.

Severe anaemia is a common presentation in non-pregnant adults admitted to hospital in southern Africa. Standard syndromic treatment based on data from the pre-HIV era is for iron deficiency, worms and malaria. We prospectively investigated 105 adults admitted consecutively to medical wards with haemoglobin < 7 g/dl. Those with acute blood loss were excluded. Patients were investigated for possible parasitic, bacterial, mycobacterial and nutritional causes of anaemia, including bone marrow aspiration, to identify potentially treatable causes. Seventy-nine per cent of patients were HIV-positive. One-third of patients had tuberculosis, which was diagnosed only by bone marrow culture in 8% of HIV-positive patients. In 21% of individuals bacteria were cultured, with non-typhi salmonella predominating and Streptococcus pneumoniae rare. Iron deficiency, hookworm infection and malaria were not common in HIV-positive anaemic adults, although heavy hookworm infections were found in 6 (27%) of the 22 HIV-negative anaemic adults. In conclusion, conventional treatment for severe anaemia in adults is not appropriate in an area of high HIV prevalence. Occult mycobacterial disease and bacteraemia are common, but iron deficiency is not common in HIV-positive patients. In addition to iron supplements, management of severe anaemia should include investigation for tuberculosis, and consideration of antibiotics active against enterobacteria.

A prospective study of bloodstream infections as cause of fever in Malawi: clinical predictors and implications for management.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the contribution of a blood culture service to the diagnosis of fever in a resource-poor setting and to identify clinical predictors of specific bloodstream infections (BSI). METHODS: In a descriptive, prospective study at the Medical Wards at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, we tried to identify a specific cause of fever in febrile patients, comparing the use of routinely available diagnostic methods with the same methods plus blood culture. Clinical predictors of specific BSIs were sought. RESULTS: A total of 352 patients admitted with fever (axillary temperature > or =37.4 degrees C) or a history of fever within the last 4 days were enrolled. Tuberculosis (TB) was the diagnosis most commonly suspected initially on clinical grounds (28%), followed by lower respiratory tract infection (16%), malaria (12%) and gastroenteritis (5%). Blood cultures were positive in 128 patients (36%); Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the most commonly isolated organism (57 patients). In most cases the diagnosis of TB had already been made using routinely available diagnostic methods, including chest radiography. In all 16 cases of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteraemia, infection with this agent was clinically suspected, usually on the basis of pulmonary symptoms and signs. In contrast, in 30 of 65 patients (65%) with non-typhi salmonellae (NTS) bacteraemia, there were no symptoms or signs specifically suggestive of this diagnosis. Fever > or =39 degrees C and splenomegaly predicted NTS bacteraemia with an odds ratio of 8.4 (95% confidence interval 3.4-20.6, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: BSIs are common among patients admitted with fever. While BSI with mycobacteraemia and S. pneumoniae can usually be predicted on clinical grounds and with routinely available diagnostic methods, NTS bacteraemia often presents as a primary BSI without localizing symptoms and signs. Splenomegaly in this population indicates NTS bacteraemia rather than malaria.

Poor potential coverage for 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Malawi.

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections can be prevented by using new conjugate vaccines, but these vaccines have limited serogroup coverage. We report the first serogrouping data from carried and invasive isolates obtained from children and adults in Malawi. The 7-valent vaccine would cover 41% of invasive isolates from children and 25% from adults. A 9-valent vaccine, including types 1 and 5, would cover 66% of invasive isolates from children and 55% from adults.