What is different about serotype 1 pneumococci?

Ritchie, N.D., Mitchell, T.J. and Evans, T.J. (2012) What is different about serotype 1 pneumococci? Future Microbiology, 7(1), pp. 33-46. (doi: 10.2217/FMB.11.146)

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Abstract

Serotype 1 Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most commonly isolated serotype in invasive pneumococcal disease but is rarely found causing asymptomatic nasopharyngeal colonization. Compared to infection by other serotypes, infection caused by serotype 1 is more likely to be identified in young patients without comorbidities but is generally associated with a lower mortality. Empyema and extrapulmonary manifestations are common. Outbreaks of serotype 1 disease have been reported in closed communities and epidemics are particularly common in sub-Saharan Africa. The serotype 1 capsular polysaccharide is a zwitterionic structure that enables it to function as a T-cell dependent antigen under some circumstances, in contrast to other pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides that are T-cell independent antigens. There are also differences in the key virulence factor pneumolysin in some serotype 1 isolates. The clinical significance of these differences remains to be determined.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Ritchie, Dr Neil and Evans, Professor Tom and Mitchell, Professor Timothy
Authors: Ritchie, N.D., Mitchell, T.J., and Evans, T.J.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Future Microbiology
ISSN:1746-0913
ISSN (Online):1746-0921

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