Pneumococcal Disease

Introduction

Pneumococcal disease is caused by common bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) that can attack different parts of the body. When these bacteria invade the lungs, they can cause pneumonia; when they invade the bloodstream, they can cause sepsis; and when they invade the covering of the brain, they can cause meningitis. These invasive infections are serious, often require treatment in the hospital, and can lead to death. The bacteria can also cause milder common conditions like middle-ear infection (otitis media) and sinusitis.

Symptoms

pneumonia caused by other organisms  include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain. The symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis include stiff neck, fever, mental confusion and disorientation, and coma. The symptoms of pneumococcal bloodstream infection may be similar to some of the symptoms of pneumonia and meningitis, along with chills, a drop in blood pressure, and organ dysfunction severe enough to require ICU care.

Vaccination

Vaccines are recommended for all children and for certain adults–those age 65 years and older, and adults age 19 to 64 years with certain risk conditions. Still, many at-risk adults have not been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease.

In the US, there are two types of pneumococcal vaccines currently available and recommended for different groups of people. Talk to a healthcare professional about pneumococcal vaccination.

Regards

Billie

Managing Editor

Journal of infectious diseases and treatment