Pneumococcus Flashcards
1
Q
General characteristics (5)
A
Gram-positive diplococci Non-motile LANCET shaped Alpha-hemolysis on blood agar Capsulated (mucoid colonies)
2
Q
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (3)
A
Otitis media
Sinusitis
Conjunctivitis
3
Q
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (1)
A
Pneumonia
- Most common cause of COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED pneumonia
- Leading cause of death in OLDER adults and Immunocompromised
4
Q
Other Manifestations (2)
A
1- MENINGITIS
MOST COMMON cause of ADULT bacterial meningitis
BIMODAL incidence (children < 3 years and adults < 45 years)
2- ARTHRITIS
5
Q
Habitat (2)
A
Normal OROPHARYNGEAL flora
OBLIGATE HUMAN pathogen
6
Q
Virulence Factors (2)
A
1- Capsular polysaccharides
2- Pneumolysin (Membrane damaging toxin —> Lobar pneumonia)
7
Q
Solubility
A
Bile soluble
8
Q
Sensitivity
A
Optochin sensitive
9
Q
Serotyping (latex)
A
Positive
10
Q
Immunoprophylaxis
A
Killed vaccine- Two types:
1- Polysaccharide vaccine > 2 years
2- Conjugated vaccine < 2 years and > 50 years
