5 types of disease-causing bacteria reside in the nasopharynx

Doctor Le Thi Minh Nguyet, Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System, said that many people carry bacteria without symptoms but still spread the disease, and recommends paying attention to preventing 5 groups of pathogens that reside in the oropharynx:

Pneumococcal bacteria

Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) has more than 100 serotypes and is common in the community, with 5-90% of healthy people carrying the bacteria in the oropharynx. Pneumococcus causes many diseases from otitis media, sinusitis to pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year there are about 1.6 million deaths due to pneumococcus, more than 90% in developing countries; The death rate due to sepsis is up to 20%, and meningitis is up to 50%. In Vietnam, according to Dr. Nguyet, pneumococcus is the leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia. It is resistant to many antibiotics, making treatment difficult and costs can reach hundreds of millions of dong.

Meningococcus

Meningococcus (Neisseria meningitidis) causes two common diseases: meningitis and sepsis, which can cause death within 24 hours, with a mortality rate of up to 50% if not treated promptly. Despite aggressive treatment, 8-15% still die, 10-20% of survivors have serious sequelae. In the community, 5-25% of people carry bacteria in the oropharynx without symptoms, which is a source of infection that is difficult to control. High-risk groups include children, adolescents, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions or immunodeficiency.

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae bacteria, transmitted through nasopharyngeal secretions or contact with infected surfaces, and can survive in the environment for up to 6 months. The disease is characterized by pseudomembranes in the pharynx that cause airway obstruction, bacterial toxins also cause damage to the heart, nerves, liver, and kidneys.

According to WHO, people who have not been vaccinated and have diphtheria have a death rate of about 30% if not treated promptly. In epidemic areas, 3-5% of healthy people can carry bacteria in the oropharynx, becoming a source of infection in the community.

Group A Streptococcus

Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) resides in the skin and oropharynx, transmitted through the respiratory tract or surface contact. Bacteria can cause non-invasive diseases such as sore throat, red rash, skin infections, otitis media, pneumonia; and invasive diseases such as arthritis, glomerulonephritis, and sepsis.

Dr. Nguyet said the disease is common in winter and spring, common in children, with typical symptoms of fever, sore throat, or sometimes there are no obvious symptoms but still has the ability to spread in the community.

Staphylococcus aureus

About 30% of people carry Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in their nose and 20% on their skin. Bacteria are transmitted through direct contact, inhaling nasopharyngeal secretions or touching contaminated surfaces. Most are not harmful, sometimes causing pimples or skin infections, but need attention in medical settings. In Vietnam, many cases have been recorded. Recently, a 14-year-old boy in Son La was infected with Staphylococcus aureus after being bitten by a pig, leading to bone inflammation and respiratory complications.

How to prevent disease

Dr. Nguyet recommends that to prevent disease, people need to maintain personal hygiene, wash hands regularly, clean teeth and gargle with antiseptic solution… Currently, Vietnam has vaccines to prevent 3 of these agents: pneumococcus, meningococcus and diphtheria. Pneumococcal vaccine includes 5 types: Pneumococcus 10, Pneumococcus 13, Pneumococcus 15, Pneumococcus 20, Pneumococcus 23 with vaccination schedule depending on age. Meningococcal vaccines are available in group B vaccines; groups B and C and quadrivalents A, C, Y, W-135, each person needs to be vaccinated with all 5 groups for optimal protection. Diphtheria vaccine comes in many combinations such as 6 in 1; 5 in 1; 4 in 1; 3 in 1 and 2 in 1, vaccination schedule depends on needs and vaccination history.