The detection of altered penicillin-binding protein 2b, autolysin, and pneumolysin genes in Streptococcus pneumoniae colonizing the upper respiratory tract of healthy schoolchildren in Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Infections due to Streptococcus pneumoniae are responsible for morbidity and mortality in a large proportion of children in developing countries where childhood vaccination has not been widely implemented. S. pneumoniae colonizing the upper respiratory tract of children as a normal commensal is a potential pathogen when it crosses the mucosal barrier and enters the bloodstream. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to analyze the carriage rate of pneumococci among healthy school children and in doing so to analyze the presence of penicillin-binding protein 2b (pbp2b) gene which is responsible for penicillin resistance using polymerase chain reaction. Methods: Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from school children and processed according to standard microbiological procedures. The genes for penicillin resistance were detected using PCR. Results: The carriage rate was 32.2% and about 14 strains had the pbp2b gene. Conclusion: Pneumococcal carriage among children is important as they can cross the mucosal barrier and cause infection. Constant follow up of the carriage rate have to be performed to prevent further spread.

Keywords

• autolysin
• penicillin-binding protein 2b
• pneumolysin
• polymerase chain reaction
• streptococcus pneumoniae