Publication Date

2018

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Kim, Jinsook

Degree Name

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy)

Legacy Department

School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions

Abstract

This research study examines the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal disease in Hidalgo County, Texas. Invasive pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection, causing severe types of clinical manifestations, including bacteremia and meningitis. Hidalgo County is the largest metropolitan statistical area along the Texas-Mexico border. Supporting a 2016 census population estimate of nearly 850,000, this community facilitates frequent bi-national travel, providing unique attributes towards disease transmission. This study aims to identify if population characteristics for infection aligned with current Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice recommendations for vaccination against pneumococcal disease. This includes identifying if the general healthy adult healthy population has an increased risk for infection, now that other populations are eligible for vaccination. Furthermore, this study aims to identify other population characteristics at increased risk for infection, so that prevention and intervention methods can be targeted to such groups.

Extent

138 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Included in

Epidemiology Commons

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