Disease states & conditions

Respiratory | S. pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of community-acquired pneumonia and meningitis in children and the elderly, and of sepsis in those infected with HIV.

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Overview

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a gram-positive, lancet-shaped bacteria, is the main cause of community-acquired pneumonia and meningitis in children and the elderly, and of sepsis in those infected with HIV. Complications of invasive pneumococcal disease may include:

  • Bronchitis
  • Sinusitis
  • Otitis media
  • Pneumonia 
  • Meningitis
  • Bloodstream infection

Infections due to S. pneumoniae are often contagious, and can induce symptoms and conditions that range in severity. Sinusitis and bronchitis tend to be more mild conditions, whereas pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infection due to pneumococcal infection can often be life-threatening and require immediate hospitalization. 

Those at higher risk for serious pneumococcal disease include:

  • Children younger than 2 years old
  • Adults older than 65 years old
  • Those with compromised immune systems

S. pneumoniae is the primary cause of pneumonia deaths worldwide. In 2019, 2.5 million people globally died from pneumonia, nearly one third of which were children younger than 5 years old. Most of these deaths occurred in developing countries.

Pneumococcal infections are more common in the cooler months of the year, but can occur at any time. Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person to person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or mucus through

  • Close contact
  • Sharing utensils or cups
  • Touching a used tissue
  • Inhaling droplets in a cough or sneeze
  • Forgetting to wash hands

Some individuals with S. pneumoniae infection of the upper respiratory tract may not present any signs or symptoms of disease. Such individuals are classified as asymptomatic carriers of S. pneumoniae, but are still capable of transmitting the infection to other individuals. 

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