Deadly pneumonia bug rising fast
Deadly pneumonia bug rising fast
2008-04-15Newsfeed
A potentially fatal strain of pneumonia that targets children and is unaffected by vaccines is increasing exponentially in England and Wales, a Newcastle expert has said.
A potentially fatal strain of pneumonia that targets children and is unaffected by vaccines is increasing exponentially in England and Wales, a Newcastle expert has said.
Up to 1,000 children are affected by the bug each year, according to research by respiratory paediatrician, David Spencer.
This type of pneumonia, known as serotype 1, infects the lining of the lungs in children, causes breathing difficulties and requires hospital treatment.
An immunisation programme for all babies has been running for 18 months following it's introduction in the US seven years ago. The move has dramatically reduced the overall number of cases, but it does not protect against the serotype 1 strain.
Dr Spencer, from Newcastle's Freeman Hospital said cases of this serotype have also increased markedly in America, leading to fears that the vaccine itself might be contributing to the problem.
"The pneumonia bug lives in peace with us for most of the time but it does not like a vacuum," he explained.
"If you take away one of the types of serotype by vaccination, then another takes its place. This has happened in some parts of the US but it is difficult to prove and compared to the overall benefit and reduction to disease, it is small fry."
Copyright © The Press Association 2008
