Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on invasive pneumococcal disease in American Indian communities in the Southwest US
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: American Indian (AI) communities in the Southwest have a high burden of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and COVID-19. Through laboratory-based surveillance, the impact of the pandemic on IPD incidence and serotype distribution was evaluated in two AI communities. IPD rates were lower during the pandemic (21.8 vs. 39.0/100 000 pre-pandemic). Rates increased in 2021 compared to 2020 but not to pre-pandemic levels. Cases with SARS-CoV-2 co-infection had a higher case fatality rate (45.2% vs. 17.6% without co-infection). No significant change in serotype distribution was observed. Continued surveillance in these communities is critical to understand the changing IPD burden as the pandemic evolves.
Source: Journal of Medical Microbiology
DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001983
Authors: Catherine G. Sutcliffe, Shea Littlepage, Del Yazzie, George Brasinikas, Loretta Christensen, Shawnell Damon, Estar Denny, Sheri L. Dixon, Lindsay R. Grant, Marcella Harker-Jones, James McAuley, Pierrette Montanez, Dennie Parker, Alisa Reasonover, Amy Rice, Kristen Roessler, Eugene Romancito, Charis Salabye, Victoria M. Sergent, Brenna Simons-Petrusa, Valerie Tenequer, Polly Thompson, Minnie Tsingine, Robert C. Weatherholtz, Laura L. Hammitt
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: MSD Sharp and Dohme
Award: G450275799
OpenAlex ID: W4408230543