Burden of pneumococcal infection in adults in Colombia

IntroductionThe burden of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections is highest in children. Estimates in adult population are uncommon. We determined the burden of disease associated with pneumococcus in adults in Colombia in year 2008.MethodologyUsing different data sources (official mortality records, medical databases, published literature and local epidemiological data) we estimated prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability due to bacterial pneumonia, bacterial meningitis and bacteremia of any cause for year 2008, and the fraction of these that can be attributed to S. pneumoniae.ResultsA total of 63,463 DALYs are lost due to S. pneumoniae in Colombians age 15 or over. Most of this burden (51,848 DALYs, 81.7%) is due to pneumonia, followed by meningitis (9241 DALYs, 14.6%). The three conditions, overall, represent 2.03 DALYs per 1000 Colombians in that age range.ConclusionsDespite the lower incidence of pneumococcal disease in adults, as compared with children, its burden is still significant, comparable to that of schizophrenia or epilepsy. This study may provide a benchmark for future preventive interventions.

► Pneumonia, meningitis and bacteremia account for 7500 deaths in adults in Colombia. ► Most of the burden of pneumonia and bacteremia is due to premature mortality, while in meningitis long-term disability is more relevant. ► Including disability and premature death, these pneumococcal diseases represent 54 thousand disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost. ► The burden of pneumococcal disease in adults in Colombia is similar to that of epilepsy or schizophrenia.