Study of Pneumococcal Carriage in Day Care Centers
Author Information
Author(s): Leino Tuija, Hoti Fabian, Syrjänen Ritva, Tanskanen Antti, Auranen Kari
Primary Institution: National Public Health Institute (KTL)
Hypothesis
Pneumococci transmit more intensely within day care clusters than across them.
Conclusion
Pneumococcal transmission is more intense within than across clusters defined by day care facilities.
Supporting Evidence
- Children in day care are a core group for pneumococcal carriage.
- 66% of new serotype acquisitions in families were linked to day care children.
- Each day care center was dominated by a specific serotype.
Takeaway
Kids in day care spread germs to each other and their families, making it easier for the germs to pass around.
Methodology
The study followed 213 individuals in three day care centers for 9 months, collecting monthly nasopharyngeal samples.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to incomplete enrollment of day care attendees.
Limitations
The study was limited to three day care centers, which may not fully represent the broader population.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 59 day care attendees, 31 siblings, 86 adult family members, and 37 employees, primarily Finnish-speaking families.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
90% CI 2.9–10.0 for family exposure; 90% CI 3.6–8.2 for DCC exposure.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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