Streptococcus Pneumoniae Infections

Streptococcus pneumoniae, also referred to as pneumococcus, is the most common cause of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. It can also cause otitis media, bacteremia and meningitis. Pneumococcus is caused by the streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. The elderly, children and individuals with HIV, hematologic disorders, diabetes, alcoholism and sickle cell disease are susceptible candidates. The fatality rate is high in elderly individuals, and those with multimodal disease and hypoxemia.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough, coughing up blood, high fever, chills, respiratory pain and discomfort, headache, shortness of breath, ear ache and stiff neck are the most common complaints.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of pneumococcus can be determined by blood culture, lumbar puncture and chest x-rays.

Treatment

• Because some strains of pneumococcus are resistant to penicillin, treatment is determined by the results of the blood culture and cerebrospinal fluids. In cases where bacterium is resistant to penicillin, higher dosage may be required. Other treatments may include ceftriaxone or vancomycin.

Complications

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 percent of pneumococcus is responsible for bacteremia. Bacteremia is an infection in the bloodstream. Additionally, it's the most common cause of meningitis in adults and second most common in children.

Prevention

• Vaccination can prevent exposure to the bacteria. The Centers for Disease Control suggest getting the vaccine if you are aged 65 or older; have a suppressed immune system due to HIV, cancer; or had a splenectomy. Persons with liver problems, alcoholism, diabetes, asthma or other respiratory problems should also be vaccinated.