Abstract:
Context:
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is a major pathogen responsible for respiratory infections, meningitis, and septicemia, particularly among children. Current data on the transmission and risk factors of this infection among school-aged children in Gabon remains scarce . This study aims to address this gap by investigating Molecular Assessment of Streptococcus pneumoniae : Prevalence and Risk Factors among School-Age Children in Tchibanga, Gabon.
. AOR = 1.18, (95% CI, 0.68–2.02), p = 0.03*)
Methods:
Using a prospective and cross-sectional design, the study was conducted from June 13 through November 30, 2023, among school-aged children presenting with respiratory symptoms or other suspected infections. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected using COPAN FLOQSwabs™ and subsequently analyzed by real-time PCR amplification of the lytA gene, specific to S. pneumoniae, to confirm bacterial colonization. Questionnaire-derived sociodemographic, clinical, and environmental variables were assessed. Risk factor analysis was performed using R v4.4.2, employing logistic regression with significance thresholds of p≤0.05 and 95% CI.
Results:
Of the 430 children studied, S. pneumoniae infection prevalence was 32.8% (95% CI, 0.29 – 0.37). Significant risk factors associated with the infection included children aged 3 to 5 years. AOR = 1.18, (95% CI, 0.68–2.02), p = 0.03*), lack of maternal education (AOR = 2.58, 95% CI, 2.82–7.62), exposure to household tobacco smoke (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI ; 1.4 – 2.9), lack of adequate sanitation (toilets and wastewater disposal) (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI, 1.6 – 2.9), presence of fever (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI, 1.65 –2.31), and lack of pneumococcal vaccination (AOR = 2.67, 95% CI, 1.39– 3.81).
Conclusion:
This study reveals a high prevalence of S. pneumoniae infection among school-aged children in Tchibanga, highlighting the importance of strengthening prevention strategies, including vaccination and recognition of environmental determinants of disease . These results could guide public health policies to reduce the health and economic toll of pneumococcal infections in this area .