Student Innovation Award
Student Team 13334: Mahkawnghta Awng Shar (Team lead, The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Hein Min Tun (The Chinese University of Hong Kong), Wu Xiangyi (Peking University), and Liu Xin (The Chinese University of Hong Kong)
Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are increasingly recognized as a potential tool for reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, whether resistance patterns in circulating Streptococcus pneumoniae populations have changed consistently following vaccine introduction remains unclear, particularly across countries with different healthcare systems and vaccination histories.
Using longitudinal surveillance data from the ATLAS (Antimicrobial Testing Leadership and Surveillance) program, we propose to examine pneumococcal resistance trends during the PCV era across multiple countries. By combining national vaccine introduction timelines with standardized antimicrobial susceptibility data collected since 2004, we will explore how resistance to commonly used antibiotics, including β-lactams and macrolides, has changed over time across regions and age groups. Rather than focusing on a single setting, this study will compare resistance trajectories across countries with different vaccine implementation histories. Where available, serotype information and molecular resistance markers will also be included to further characterize resistant pneumococcal populations.
This work aims to better understand how large-scale vaccination programs may relate to AMR trends at the population level. The findings may help support future pneumococcal surveillance efforts and contribute to ongoing discussions on the role of vaccination in AMR control strategies.