Vaccine Strategies to Prevent Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Dear Colleagues,

Community-acquired respiratory infections are on top of the list of infections causing significant morbidities and mortalities worldwide. They are defined as respiratory infections that are acquired outside the hospital. The most commonly identified pathogens causing community-acquired respiratory infections are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, atypical bacteria (i.e., Chlamydia pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species), and respiratory viruses (influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza virus, human metapneumovirus, rhinoviruses). Healthcare systems are currently facing several treatment challenges based on the increasing occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains and the high rates of recurrent infections occurring. Influenza causes seasonal outbreaks globally, while pneumococcus is still the most frequent causative pneumonia pathogen. Even though influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are currently widely available and of proven efficacy, by decreasing the incidence of community-acquired respiratory infections, their use has remained suboptimal. The influenza vaccine is effective for preventing respiratory illness, including pneumonia, in the setting of influenza A and B infection. The pneumococcal vaccine effectively prevents the most common form of bacterial community-acquired pneumonia. Still, it is most effective only when administered early in chronic illnesses. The SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has effectively curbed the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but a new strategic role is now needed. Strategies to prevent community-acquired respiratory infections need further improvement and development. These include the development of new and improved vaccines, improved environmental control, the accurate and immediate diagnosis of respiratory infections, timely and appropriate therapy, and new approaches such as hospital-based immunization. Targeted strategies should consider patient groups with risk factors like advanced age, chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, malnutrition, immunocompromising conditions, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. We invite researchers working on immunization strategies to prevent community-acquired respiratory infections to submit their work to this Special Issue by August 2024.

Dr. Vissaria Sakka
Dr. Garyphallia Poulakou
Guest Editors

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• community-acquired respiratory infections
• Streptococcus pneumoniae
• Staphylococcus aureus
• influenza
• pneumonia
• respiratory infections
• respiratory pathogens