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Streptococcus pneumonia
ICD-10 Codes
Related ICD-10:
Description
Physical Characteristics and Classification
Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a type of bacteria that belongs to the genus Streptococcus. It is a gram-positive, lancet-shaped bacterium [1]. This means that when stained with Gram's stain, it retains its color (purple) and does not lose it, indicating that its cell wall contains a thick layer of peptidoglycan.
Serotypes and Variability
There are more than 100 known serotypes of S. pneumoniae, which can cause disease in humans [1]. However, only a minority of these serotypes produce the majority of pneumococcal infections [1]. This variability is due to the presence of different capsular polysaccharides on the surface of the bacteria.
Other Key Features
S. pneumoniae is a facultative anaerobe, meaning that it can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen [6]. It does not form spores and is non-motile, meaning it cannot move on its own [11].
These physical characteristics and classification features are essential for understanding the biology and behavior of S. pneumoniae.
References:
[1] - Context result 1 [6] - Context result 6 [11] - Context result 11
Additional Characteristics
- gram-positive
- lancet-shaped
- facultative anaerobe
- non-motile
Signs and Symptoms
Common Signs and Symptoms of Streptococcus Pneumonia
Streptococcus pneumonia, also known as pneumococcal disease, can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the infection. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- Respiratory Infections: The most common symptom is respiratory infections such as pneumonia, which can be mild or severe.
- Fever and Chills: A high fever (usually above 102°F) accompanied by chills is a common symptom.
- Cough and Sputum Production:
Additional Symptoms
- Respiratory Infections
- Fever and Chills
- Cough and Sputum Production
Diagnostic Tests
Diagnostic Tests for Streptococcus pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a type of bacteria that can cause various infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. Diagnosing this infection requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Laboratory Tests
Several laboratory tests are used to diagnose Streptococcus pneumoniae infection:
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be done to check for the presence of antibodies against pneumococcus in the blood [8].
- Urine tests: Urine tests can detect the presence of pneumococcal antigen in the urine, which is a non-culture diagnostic method of choice for patients with possible severe pneumococcal infection [5].
- Sputum tests: Sputum tests can be used to confirm the causative bacterium in cases of pneumonia using coughed-up sputum [4].
Imaging Studies
Imaging studies may also be used to diagnose Streptococcus pneumoniae infection:
- Chest ultrasonography or chest CT scanning: Chest ultrasonography or chest CT scanning may be obtained to provide information on the presence and/or extent of pneumococcal disease in the lungs [2].
- Other tests: Other tests, such as blood cultures and cerebrospinal fluid analysis, may also be used to diagnose Streptococcus pneumoniae infection [9].
Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Rapid diagnostic tests are also available for diagnosing Streptococcus pneumoniae infection:
- Rapid antigen test: A rapid antigen test can be used to detect the presence of pneumococcal antigen in urine or sputum [4].
- Serological tests: Serological tests, such as the "Streptococcus pneumoniae IgG Antibodies, Total, Serum" test, can be used to measure the total pneumococcal IgG response [7].
References
[1] Aug 21, 2024 — These tests check for the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease. The tests may be done on blood, urine, sputum, or cerebrospinal fluid ...
[2] Jun 20, 2024 — Ultrasonography/CT scanning. Chest ultrasonography or chest CT scanning may be obtained to provide information on the presence and/or extent of ...
[3] by AJ Blaschke · 2011 · Cited by 118 — The most widely used indirect detection method for S. pneumoniae is the detection of pneumococcal antigen in urine [2, 7].
[4] The rapid diagnostic test for Streptococcus pneumoniae is also used to confirm the causative bacterium in cases of pneumonia using coughed-up sputum, a nasal ...
[5] by MD Smith · 2009 · Cited by 110 — Urinary antigen detection is the nonculture diagnostic method of choice for patients with possible severe pneumococcal infection.
[6] Oct 31, 2024 — Healthcare providers can use a urine test to help make a diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia in adults.
[7] Oct 2, 2023 — The “Streptococcus pneumoniae IgG Antibodies, Total, Serum” test is a semi-quantitative measurement of the total pneumococcal IgG response. The ...
[8] Your healthcare provider does a physical exam and asks you about your medical history and current symptoms. Your provider may use tests such as: Blood test (...
[9] Feb 6, 2024 — Definitively diagnosing S. pneumoniae infection generally relies on isolating the organism from a normally sterile body site. Other tests...
Additional Diagnostic Tests
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Blood cultures
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
- Serological tests
- Sputum tests
- Chest ultrasonography or chest CT scanning
- Rapid antigen test
Treatment
Treatment Options for Streptococcus Pneumonia
Streptococcus pneumonia, also known as pneumococcus, is a bacterium that can cause various infections in humans, including pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. The treatment of streptococcus pneumonia typically involves the use of antibiotics.
- Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for patients with S. pneumonia. The choice of antibiotic depends on the severity of the infection, the patient's age, and any underlying medical conditions.
- Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics: In severe cases, broad-spectrum antibiotics such as ceftriaxone or cefotaxime are often used to cover a wide range of bacterial infections. [10]
- Penicillin-Resistant Pneumococcus: For patients with penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections, vancomycin is frequently the preferred drug for treatment outside the central nervous system (CNS) and for patients with an IgE-type allergy to penicillin. [1]
Additional Treatment Options
- Vaccines: Vaccines can reduce the risk of infection, especially in young children and older adults.
- Supportive Care: Supportive care, including mechanical ventilation if necessary, is also an essential part of treatment for patients with severe pneumococcal infections.
Important Considerations
- Antibiotic Resistance: Antibiotic-resistant S. pneumoniae is associated with increased costs compared to infections caused by non-resistant (susceptible) pneumococcus.
- Costs and Surveillance: The costs associated with antibiotic drug development, surveillance to track resistance patterns, and repeat disease due to treatment failures are significant concerns.
References
[1] Pneumococcal infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a gram-positive, catalase-negative organism commonly referred to as pneumococcus. Vancomycin is frequently the preferred drug for the treatment of severe penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections outside the CNS and for patients with an IgE-type allergy to penicillin.
[10] This activity outlines the evaluation and treatment of Streptococcus pneumonia infections and reviews the role of interprofessional team members in improving care for those with this condition. The mainstay of treatment for patients with S. pneumonia is antibiotic therapy and supportive care including mechanical ventilation if necessary.
Recommended Medications
💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.
Differential Diagnosis
Differential Diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumonia
Streptococcus pneumonia, also known as pneumococcus, is a type of bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious illnesses. When diagnosing this condition, it's essential to consider the following differential diagnoses:
- Viral infections: Influenza or COVID-19 can present with similar symptoms to pneumococcal pneumonia, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath [3][7].
- Klebsiella pneumoniae: This type of bacterial infection can also cause pneumonia and should be considered in the differential diagnosis [2][5].
- H. influenzae: Another type of bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia and should be ruled out when diagnosing pneumococcus [5].
- Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in the lungs can present with similar symptoms to pneumonia, such as shortness of breath and chest pain [3].
- Heart failure: Conditions like congestive heart failure can also cause respiratory symptoms that may be mistaken for pneumonia [3].
Other manifestations
In addition to pneumonia, pneumococcus can also cause other serious illnesses, including:
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord
- Otitis media: Middle ear infection
- Sinusitis: Sinus infection
- Endocarditis: Infection of the heart valves
Diagnostic methods
Several clinical studies have shown that sputum culture and Gram stain are still useful for the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia, as long as specimens are properly collected and handled [10].
References:
[1] Not provided (search results 1-10 were used to generate this answer)
Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the search result numbers used to generate each part of the answer.
Additional Differential Diagnoses
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Heart failure
- Viral infections
- H. influenzae
- pulmonary embolism
Additional Information
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