Deborah Buggs by

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:35:42 UTC

Streptococcus pneumoniae are lancet-shaped, gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria with more than 100 known serotypes. Most S. pneumoniae serotypes can cause disease, but only a minority of serotypes produce the majority of pneumococcal infections.

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:37:03 UTC

There are 100 known serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

Transmission

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:40:03 UTC

Transmission of Streptococcus pneumoniae occurs through

Direct person-to-person contact via respiratory droplets
Autoinoculation in persons carrying the bacteria in their upper respiratory tract

Symptoms

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:44:05 UTC

include an abrupt onset of fever and chills or rigors. Typically, there is a single rigor, and repeated shaking chills are uncommon. Other common symptoms include

Pleuritic chest pain
Cough productive of mucopurulent
Rusty sputum
Dyspnea
Tachypnea or tachycardia
Hypoxia
Malaise or weakness

Prevention

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:44:20 UTC

Vaccine

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for

All children younger than 5 years old
People 5 through 64 years old who are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease
Adults 65 years old or older

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:46:30 UTC

Micrograph depicting Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in cerebral spinal fluid using FA staining technique
Source: PHIL Photo ID# 3149

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 19:49:41 UTC

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 20:02:44 UTC

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 20:09:19 UTC

dabuggs17_ — 2023-11-20 20:41:51 UTC

Pneumococcal disease is a name for any infection caused by bacteria is called Streptococcus Pneumoniae or pneumococcus. Pneumococcal infection can range from ear and sinus infections to pneumonia and bloodstream infections. It is more common during the winter and early spring months. Chest radiography has been considered to be the mainstay in diagnosing. Treatment for Streptococcus is antibiotic therapy and supportive care including mechanical ventilation if necessary.