Features
and Benefits
What is Streptococcus Pneumoniae?
Streptococcus
pneumoniae, or pneumococcus, resides asymptomatically in healthy carriers
typically colonizing the respiratory tract, sinuses, and nasal cavity. However,
in susceptible individuals with weaker immune systems, such as the elderly and
young children, the bacterium may become pathogenic and spread to other
locations to cause disease. It spreads by direct person-to-person contact via
respiratory droplets and by autoinoculation in persons carrying the bacteria in
their upper respiratory tract. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of
community acquired pneumonia and meningitis in children and the elderly, and of
septicaemia in those infected with HIV. The organism also causes many types of
pneumococcal infections other than pneumonia. These pneumococcal diseases
include bronchitis, rhinitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, meningitis, sepsis,
osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, peritonitis, pericarditis,
cellulitis, and brain abscess.
What are the symptoms of Pneumococcal Infection?
The symptoms of a pneumococcal infection can vary, depending on the type of infection you have. Common symptoms include:
Why do I need this Test?
Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally causing more deaths than any other infectious disease. Early diagnosis can be vital so that treatment can start before more serious complications arise. If you test positive, your doctor can assess whether you need treatment or not and/or if you need to be admitted to hospital.