Characterization of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates obtained from the middle ear fluid of US children, 2011-2021

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), including higher valency vaccines such as PCV20, have the potential to reduce pediatric otitis media. We assessed serotype distribution, potential PCV coverage, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates cultured from middle ear fluid (MEF) of US children age 5 years and younger.