PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) was introduced in India's UIP as a phased rollout. Which serogroup-specific antigen combination does PCV13 target compared to PCV10?
- A PCV13 additionally covers serotypes 1, 5, and 7F that PCV10 misses
- B PCV13 covers fewer serotypes but is more immunogenic than PCV10
- C PCV13 additionally covers serotypes 3, 6A, and 19A not in PCV10 ✓
- D PCV13 and PCV10 cover identical serotypes but differ only in adjuvant
Correct answer: C. PCV13 additionally covers serotypes 3, 6A, and 19A not in PCV10
Explanation
PCV13 (Prevnar 13) covers 13 pneumococcal serotypes including all 10 in PCV10 plus three additional serotypes: 3, 6A, and 19A. Serotype 19A is particularly important because it is associated with multidrug-resistant pneumococcal infections. India introduced PCV10 in its UIP initially; the broader PCV13 coverage is more relevant for reducing invasive pneumococcal disease due to these resistant strains.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.