Pneumococcal serotype distribution among meningitis cases from Togo and Burkina Faso during 2007–2009

We evaluated pneumococcal serotype/group distribution using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing on cerebrospinal fluid collected from patients from Burkina Faso and Togo who presented for care during 2007–2009. We identified 282 pneumococcal meningitis cases based on PCR, latex agglutination, or culture, of which 206 underwent serotyping. Serotype 1 was identified for 18% of serotyped cases from patients aged <5 years and 66% of those aged ≥5 years. The 13-valent and 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV-13 and PCV-10) contain 53% of serotypes identified among children age <5 years and 76–77% among persons aged ≥5 years. Pneumococcal meningitis was highly seasonal regardless of serotype. Data from this study emphasize the potential usefulness of PCVs among older children and adults.

► In two African meningitis belt countries, 74% of pneumococcal meningitis cases were among persons age 5+ years.
► Among persons age <5 years and others, serotype 1 caused 18% and 66% of pneumococcal meningitis cases, respectively.
► Pneumococcal meningitis was highly seasonal regardless of serotype or patient age.
► Current 10- and 13-valent PCVs covered the majority of identified serotypes, regardless of patient age.
► Current PCVs, if effective against serotype 1, will provide substantial benefit for meningitis belt children and adults.