Pneumococcal Infections

Also called: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Pneumococcal Infections is the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Other Languages

Find health information in languages other than English on Pneumococcal Infections

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Summary

Pneumococci are a type of streptococcus bacteria. The bacteria spread through contact with people who are ill or by healthy people who carry the bacteria in the back of their nose. Pneumococcal infections can be mild or severe. The most common types of infections are

How the diagnosis is made depends upon where the infection is. Your doctor will do a physical exam and ask about your medical history. Possible tests may include blood, imaging, or lab tests. Treatment is with antibiotics. Vaccines can prevent pneumococcal infections. There are two vaccines. One is for infants and young children. The other is for people at high risk, including those who are over 65 years old, have chronic illnesses or weak immune systems, smoke, have asthma, or live in long-term care facilities.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms

Pneumococcal Disease: Symptoms and Complications (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Diagnosis and Tests

Bacteria Culture Test (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish
Blood Culture Test (American Association for Clinical Chemistry)
Chest X-Ray (National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)Also in Spanish
Pneumococcal Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Prevention and Risk Factors

Facts about Pneumococcal Disease for Adults (National Foundation for Infectious Diseases)
Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13): What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Pneumococcal Disease: Risk Factors and Transmission (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Immunization Action Coalition) - PDFAlso in Spanish
Pneumococcal Vaccination Recommendations for Children and Adults by Age and/or Risk Factor (Immunization Action Coalition) - PDF
Pneumococcus: Questions and Answers (Immunization Action Coalition) - PDF

Treatments and Therapies

Antibiotics: MedlinePlus Health Topic (National Library of Medicine)Also in Spanish

Specifics

Pneumococcal Disease: Types of Infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Pneumococcal Pneumonia (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases)