Video - Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, is an encapsulated, gram-positive, and catalase-negative bacterium. It is found asymptomatically colonizing the nasal cavities and sinuses, but they can take advantage of a weakened immune system, especially in very young or very old individuals, or in those with diabetes, HIV infection, cancer, splenectomy, or those with sickle cell disease.

Streptococcus pneumoniae can cause diseases such as rhinosinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, and meningitis. Symptoms vary depending on the type but can include fever, chills, coughing, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. The treatment of infection with Strep pneumoniae involves the use of Penicillins, but in the case of resistant strains, fluoroquinolones, third-generation cephalosporins, and vancomycin can be used.