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O018 - SEROTYPE-SPECIFIC REDUCTIONS IN INVASIVE PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE EPIDEMIOLOGY IN THE NETHERLANDS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC (ID 365)
Abstract
Background
The COVID-19 control measures have led to declines in several respiratory diseases including invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Since pneumococci comprise many serotypes with different transmissibility and virulence, we evaluated serotype-specific changes in IPD epidemiology in the Netherlands during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Methods
IPD cases were based on nationwide invasive bacteriological surveillance. Cases and serotype-distribution were compared between the pre-COVID period (April 2015-March 2020) and the COVID-19 period (presented now: April 2020-March 2021; will be updated until March 2022 for ISPPD). Patients aged 73-79 years were excluded because of recent PPV23 introduction in this age-group.
Results
We included 2,655 cases pre-COVID and 175 cases of the COVID-19 period. Overall, IPD cases decreased by 67% in the first COVID-19 year compared to the pre-COVID period. The decrease was larger (69%) for ages 65+ years compared to those aged under 5 years (53%). Neonatal invasive disease cases caused by Streptococcus agalactiae and Escherichia coli, which were used as controls, did not decrease, indicating stable isolate submission. Changes in IPD epidemiology varied among pneumococcal serotypes. Of the serotypes with on average ≥10 cases yearly pre-COVID, 6C (16% decrease) and 19A (50%) showed the smallest reductions and serotypes 8 (76%), 12F (82%), 15A (86%), 33F (87%) and 7F (100%) showed the largest declines.
Conclusions
Our results indicate serotype-specific effects, coinciding with implementation of COVID-19 control measures. This likely reflects intrinsic differences in transmissibility and possible differences by age in (adherence to) control measures. Continued surveillance is critical to monitor potential rebound effects once restriction measures are lifted.