Pneumococcal

Pneumococcal refers to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is responsible for causing various types of infections in humans. These infections can range from mild to severe, and can affect different parts of the body.

Overview

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram-positive, alpha-hemolytic (under aerobic conditions) or beta-hemolytic (under anaerobic conditions), facultative anaerobic member of the genus Streptococcus. They are usually found in pairs (diplococci) and are nonmotile. As a significant human pathogenic bacterium S. pneumoniae was recognized as a major cause of pneumonia in the late 19th century, and is the subject of many humoral immunity studies.

Diseases

Pneumococcal diseases can be non-invasive or invasive. Non-invasive diseases occur outside of major organs or the blood, and include bronchitis, otitis media, sinusitis, and pneumonia. Invasive pneumococcal diseases include bacteremia, sepsis, pneumonia with bacteremia, meningitis, and osteomyelitis.

Prevention

Vaccination is an effective method for preventing pneumococcal diseases. The pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) are two types of vaccines used to prevent these diseases.

Treatment

Treatment for pneumococcal diseases typically involves antibiotics. However, some strains of S. pneumoniae have developed resistance to certain antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.

See also

• Pneumococcal infection
• Pneumococcal vaccine
• Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumococcal Resources
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