Emerging pneumococcal serotypes in Iraq: scope for improved vaccine development

Abstract: Pneumococcal disease is a global public health concern as it affects the young, aged and immunocompromised. The development of pneumococcal vaccines their incorporation in immunization programs has helped to reduce burden disease. However, serotype replacement emergence non-vaccine serotypes well persistence few vaccine underscores need for new effective against such serotypes. In Middle East, places religious mass gatherings are hotspot transmission addition risk factors. Therefore, periodic surveillance circulating region determine effectiveness existing prevention strategies develop improved warranted. Currently, there lack prevalence data Iraq due inadequate region. Thus, this review aims by drawing inferences from recently published literature neighboring countries refine vaccination help introduction country.