Streptococcus Pneumoniae Flashcards
List the 5 infections that Strep. pneumoniae can cause?
Pneumonia Otitis media Bacteraemia Meningitis Sepsis
What happens in endogenous spread of Strep. pneumoniae?
Patients develop an impaired resistance to this normal nasopharyngeal commensal
How do people that don’t normally carry Strep. pneumoniae in their nasopharynx contract this infection?
Droplets from carrier
Which virulence factor explains why splenic patients require vaccination?
Encaspulated bacteria
What is the gram stain of Strep pneumoniae?
Gram positive
Lancet shaped
What two lysin enzymes does it make?
Autolysin- in the cell wall so only released when it interacts with host immunity or beta lactams
Pneumolysin- damages mamalian cell membrane and released after autolysin
Is Strep pneumoniae motile or not?
Non motile
Who is at risk of Strep pneumonias?
Smokers
People at extremes of life
Chronic condition patients
Asplenic patients
Why is a capsule a virulence factor?
Antigenic and antiphagocytic
What does it release to damage RBC?
alpha haemolysin
Why are new borns vaccinated?
Susceptible to meningitis from it
What blood tests would you order?
FBC (high neutrophils if infected)
U+E
LFT
What specific tests would you do to confirm?
Nasopharyngeal swab, blood or sputum culture and gram stain
What specific treatment would you give?
Amoxicillin - B lactam
What is the supportive treatment you offer?
Maintain hydration
Antipyeretics
Analgesia
