Project Summary
Pneumococcal Carriage Study assesses the effectiveness of vaccines against pneumococcal carriage as a proxy for disease occurrence and transmission. By identifying prevalent serotypes after PCV introduction, it informs immunization strategies. The research examines variations in the Case to Carrier Ratio (CCR) across diverse settings and employs a statistical regression model to understand the impact of co-variates. It validates disease prediction from carriage data and models pneumococcal transmission dynamics across Africa, focusing on the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. The study aims to predict disease outbreaks based on bacterial carriage, facilitating early interventions to prevent large-scale infections. Additionally, it explores the temporal dynamics of pneumococcal spread within communities. Insights from different environmental and social contexts will inform effective control strategies, enhancing public health efforts to curb pneumococcal disease transmission. The findings will be crucial for stakeholders in devising targeted vaccination and public health strategies.
PI: Prof. Anthony Scott
Lead Institutions: Haramaya University, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and Ethiopian Public Health Institute
Sponsor: Wellcome Trust
Implementation Year: 2022
Status of the project: ongoing
PhD Student: Hiwot Yigzaw