Journal of Hygiene

Table of Contents - 1982 - Volume 88, Issue 03  

Research Article

A survey of nasal Streptococcus pneumoniae in children

M. L. Burra1, S. J. Graya2 and C. H. L. Howellsa2

a1 M.R.C. Epidemiology Unit, Richmond Road, Cardiff, CF2 3AS

a2 Public Health Laboratory, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff CFA 4XW

Abstract

Nasal swabs were taken from 369 four-year-old children in two South Wales towns and cultured for Streptococcus pneumoniae. The organism was isolated in 34% of the specimens, similar rates being found in boys and girls in the two towns. The children were swabbed again a year later, when the prevalence of nasal pneumococci had fallen to 25%. There was no association between the presence of the organism on the two occasions. Types 6 and 23 were most often isolated. After excluding children who had received an antibiotic, the proportion carrying a pneumococcus was higher in those who had recently had a respiratory infection than in the rest, although the difference was not quite statistically significant. There was a significant negative association between the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Strep. pneumoniae.

(Received January 05 1982)

(Accepted February 08 1982)

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