Pathogens
Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae

General Information

Encapsulated lancet-shaped gram positive diplococci.

  • Normal flora and important cause of invasive disease.
  • Asplenic patients at extra risk of infection.
  • Often vaccine preventable.
  • The most frequently isolated respiratory pathogen in community acquired pneumonia.
  • Colonizes the upper respiratory tract, especially in children, without evidence of infection.
  • Community-acquired pneumonia
  • Otitis media
  • Sinusitis
  • Bacteremia
  • Meningitis

Rarely:

  • Endocarditis
  • Septic arthritis/osteomyelitis
  • Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis