Sampling methods for the study of pneumococcal carriage: A systematic review

► Surveillance of pneumococcal carriage is needed to evaluate vaccine impact. ► Protocol variation reduces validity of comparisons between laboratories or nations. ► Adoption of WHO pneumococcal carriage method has not been uniform for collection to storage. ► Choice of swab and media frequently differ between studies. ► Requirement for further evidence to support optimal pneumococcal collection methods.