Pneumococcus

Question 1

General characteristics (5)

Answer 1

Gram-positive diplococci
Non-motile
LANCET shaped 
Alpha-hemolysis on blood agar
Capsulated (mucoid colonies)

Question 2

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (3)

Answer 2

Otitis media
Sinusitis
Conjunctivitis

Question 3

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (1)

Answer 3

Pneumonia

• Most common cause of COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED pneumonia
• Leading cause of death in OLDER adults and Immunocompromised

Question 4

Other Manifestations (2)

Answer 4

1- MENINGITIS
MOST COMMON cause of ADULT bacterial meningitis
BIMODAL incidence (children < 3 years and adults < 45 years)

2- ARTHRITIS

Question 5

Habitat (2)

Answer 5

Normal OROPHARYNGEAL flora

OBLIGATE HUMAN pathogen

Question 6

Virulence Factors (2)

Answer 6

1- Capsular polysaccharides

2- Pneumolysin (Membrane damaging toxin —> Lobar pneumonia)

Question 7

Solubility

Answer 7

Bile soluble

Question 8

Sensitivity

Answer 8

Optochin sensitive

Question 9

Serotyping (latex)

Answer 9

Positive

Question 10

Immunoprophylaxis

Answer 10

Killed vaccine- Two types:
1- Polysaccharide vaccine > 2 years
2- Conjugated vaccine < 2 years and > 50 years