STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIAE INFECTION

TYPES

Types of streptococcus pneumoniae infection may include:

• Invasive infections. These are more dangerous and occur within a major organ or the blood.
• Non-invasive infections. These occur outside the main organ or the blood and are usually less dangerous.

SYMPTOMS

Your symptoms could vary from those of other people with the same disease but with a different type. Some common symptoms of a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection include:

• Shaking
• Fever
• Cough
• Breath shortness
• Chills
• Sweats
• Stiff neck
• Disorientation
• Pains and aches
• Headache
• Weakness

DIAGNOSIS

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection is often diagnosed by isolating the bacteria from blood or other ordinarily sterile body locations. Capsular polysaccharide antigen detection tests are also offered.

Urinary Antigen Test

A commonly produced urine antigen test may identify Streptococcus pneumoniae’s C-polysaccharide antigen as a reason for societal pneumonia. The test:

• Can identify the infection after antibiotic treatment has begun,
• Has a decent accuracy in adults, and
• Is fast and easy to use

Based on the severity of the symptoms and the part of the body affected, the doctor may additionally order the following tests:

• Lab tests
• A chest X-ray

TREATMENT

Treatment for a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection will be determined by how the illness affects the person.

Non-invasive Infections

Without treatment, a person can often recover from a minor infection. However, in rare circumstances, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to avoid problems.

Invasive Infections

Antibiotics are required to treat and, in some instances, prevent invasive illnesses.

A doctor will prescribe antibiotics for invasive infections, a combination of various illnesses. They may begin with broad-spectrum antibiotics before determining which bacteria are implicated. If testing reveals which bacteria are causing the illness, the antibiotics may be modified to target the particular organism.