Monitoring non-invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in Belgium

A 20-months Surveillance of Non-invasive Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections in Belgium to Evaluate National Vaccination Strategy

Sciensano · NCT04447521

This study is tracking infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in Belgium to see how common different types are and how resistant they are to antibiotics, using samples from patients with pneumonia, ear infections, or sinusitis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment3600 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSciensano (other gov)
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT04447521 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to monitor non-invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in Belgium from September 2020 to May 2025. Twelve peripheral hospitals will collect and send the first 15 unduplicated clinical samples of S. pneumoniae from patients diagnosed with pneumonia, otitis media, or sinusitis each month. The study will analyze the serotype distribution and antibiotic resistance profiles of these isolates, with whole genome sequencing performed on a subset. An additional 13 centers joined the study in May 2021 to enhance data collection.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients living in Belgium diagnosed with pneumonia, sinusitis, or otitis media from whom non-invasive S. pneumoniae samples are collected.

Not a fit: Patients from whom S. pneumoniae is isolated from blood or other sterile specimens will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of national vaccination programs against S. pneumoniae.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have successfully monitored bacterial infections and their serotypes, making this approach well-established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients living in Belgium at the time of the study,
* from whom unduplicated S. pneumoniae isolates were collected in routine practices,
* from non-invasive upper (e.g.: pus/fluid from nasal sinus or from otitis media fluid) or lower respiratory tract (e.g. sputum bronchial or endotracheal aspirate, bronchoalveolar fluid (BAL),...) clinical samples,
* from patients diagnosed with pneumonia, sinusitis and otitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients for whom S. pneumoniae was simultaneously isolated from blood or another usually sterile specimen

Where this trial is running

Brussels

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Pneumonia, Otitis Media, Sinusitis Bacterial

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.