Pneumococcus Flashcards
1
Q
What are the virulence factors
A
Capsular polysaccharides - they can be exhibited by quelling reaction
Autolysin- they are responsible for alpha hemolysis and carrom coin / draughtsman colonies in blood agar. They are also responsible for bile solubility
2
Q
What do they cause
A
Lobar pneumonia
Pyogenic meningitis
Otitis media and sinusitis
3
Q
Are they capsulated
A
Yes.
4
Q
Are they motile
A
No
5
Q
Apart from bile solubility and alpha hemolysis, what are their characteristic culture features
A
Inulin fermentation
Optochin sensitive.
They form uniform turbidity on liquid medium.
6
Q
Treatment
A
Penicillin G along with ceftriaxone( note , those allergic to penicillin are also allergic to cephalosporins mostly )
7
Q
Vaccine
A
Polyvalent polysaccharide vaccine
Conjugate vaccine
