Pathogen-and Type-Specific Changes in Invasive Bacterial Disease Epidemiology during the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Netherlands

Anneke Steens, Mirjam J. Knol, Wieke Freudenburg-de Graaf, Hester E. de Melker, Arie van der Ende, Nina M. van Sorge

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Abstract

COVID-19 control measures have resulted in a decline in invasive bacterial disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis (IMD), Streptococcus pneumoniae (IPD), and Haemophilus influenzae (Hi-D). These species comprise different serogroups and serotypes that impact transmissibility and virulence. We evaluated type-and pathogen-specific changes in invasive bacterial disease epidemiology in the Netherlands during the first year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Cases were based on nationwide surveillance for five bacterial species with either respiratory (IMD, IPD, Hi-D) or non-respiratory (controls) transmission routes and were compared from the pre-COVID period (April 2015–March 2020) to the first COVID-19 year (April 2020–March 2021). IMD, IPD, and Hi-D cases decreased by 78%, 67%, and 35%, respectively, in the first COVID-19 year compared to the pre-COVID period, although effects differed per age group. Serogroup B-IMD declined by 61%, while serogroup W and Y-IMD decreased >90%. IPD caused by serotypes 7F, 15A, 12F, 33F, and 8 showed the most pronounced decline (≥76%). In contrast to an overall decrease in Hi-D cases, vaccine-preventable serotype b (Hib) increased by 51%. COVID-19 control measures had pathogen-and type-specific effects related to invasive infections. Continued surveillance is critical to monitor potential rebound effects once restriction measures are lifted and transmission is resumed.
Original languageEnglish
Article number972
JournalMicroorganisms
Volume10
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 May 2022

Keywords

  • COVID-19
  • Haemophilus influenzae disease
  • invasive meningococcal disease
  • invasive pneumococcal disease
  • molecular epidemiology
  • serogroup
  • serotype

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