Background

Pneumococcal disease (PD) case-fatality rate (CFR) in Costa Rica has being reported higher (8-30%) than in literature (3-22%).

Methods

Descriptive study of adult cases with culture-positive PD seeking care at two tertiary care hospitals in Costa Rica between 2014-2018. Information on demographics, clinical characteristics and outcomes was analyzed for each case.

Results

282 culture-positive PD cases were included. CFR is consistently higher in all risk groups among ≥ 60 y/o patients OR 2.31 [IC95 1.38-3.89].

Log-rank analysis showed an unequal 30-day mortality in adults ≥ 60 y/o (p=0.012) but no differences in risk related groups (p=0.91).

Conclusions

PD CFR vary between age and risk groups in Costa Rica. Across all risk groups, elder adults have the most risk of dying following PD. There is a similar mortality rate among all ages high-risk patients and at-risk patients. Prevention strategies to reduce the ongoing burden of mortality from PD are needed, especially for elderly patients.