Unseen individuals carrying Streptococcus pneumoniae without symptoms could serve as reservoirs for this bacteria

In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers from ITQB NOVA's Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Human Pathogens have discovered that some adults can act as reservoirs for the common bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.

The study, led by author Jennifer R. Shutt, aimed to investigate the dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae carriage in adults. Contrary to previous assumptions, the research did not find a direct correlation between the duration of carriage in adults and regular contact with children.

The study, which can be accessed using the DOI 10.1093/infdis/jiaa558, found that the risk of an adult being colonized with pneumococcus at least once during a year is estimated to be 57.5%. Interestingly, the study did not provide new data on the frequency of adults carrying pneumococcus for more than 6 months during the study. However, it did reveal that some adults carried pneumococcus for more than this duration.

The median duration of carriage of pneumococcus in adults was found to be almost two months. The study, however, did not provide new information on the median duration of carriage of pneumococcus in adults.

One of the key findings of the study was that the duration of carriage in adults does not depend on regular contact with children. This suggests that adults can become carriers of the bacteria without regular exposure to children.

The study also shed light on the scale of herd immunity potentially attainable through children's vaccination. Contrary to expectations, the study found that the scale of herd immunity potentially attainable through children's vaccination may vary.

Interestingly, adults who live with children showed a higher risk of acquiring pneumococcus. This finding underscores the importance of childhood vaccination not only for the health of children but also for the protection of adults in close contact with them.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the behaviour of Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults and the potential role of adults as reservoirs of the bacteria. The findings have implications for public health strategies aimed at controlling the spread of this common bacterium.