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Streptococcus pneumoniae Pneumococcus What You Need to Know

Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Kristeen Cherney on October 19, 2022Streptococcus pneumoniae is a type of bacteria that can cause pneumococcal disease. There are more than 100 strains of this bacteria, though not all of them lead to infections. People can carry the bacteria in their respiratory tract without even knowing it. Read on to learn more about S. pneumoniae bacteria (pneumococci), including the types of diseases it may cause and how you can protect yourself and others from infection.

How does pneumococcus spread

Pneumococci bacteria commonly live in the human respiratory tract. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 5% and 90% of people may be carriers, depending on age and setting. Children tend to carry the bacteria longer than others. For example, 20% to 60% of school-aged children may carry this bacterium, while 5% to 10% of adults without children may carry it. The estimated carrier rate among military service personnel is slightly higher at 50% to 60%. Despite its prevalence, only a small number of pneumococci lead to related infections. Like other respiratory illnesses, pneumococcus infections can spread via coughing and sneezing. However, the CDC also acknowledges that little is known about how some carriers may develop natural immunity.

Who s most at risk for pneumococcal disease

Older adults and young children may be at a higher risk of developing pneumococcal disease. Other risk factors include underlying health conditions that may impact your immune system. These include:chronic lung diseases, such as COPD and asthmadiabetesHIVsickle cell diseasecerebrospinal fluid leakschronic heart, liver, or renal diseasestaking immunosuppressant drugs for autoimmune diseases or other conditions Smoking cigarettes and excessive alcohol use may also increase your risk.

What types of infections can pneumococcus cause

Pneumococcus can cause various infections that affect your lungs, brain, and other parts of your body. The symptoms may also vary depending on the body part affected.

Pneumonia

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a type of lung infection. It leads to approximately 150,000 hospitalizations in the United States each year. Symptoms may include:coughbreathing difficultiesrapid breathingchest painconfusionfever or chills This type of pneumonia may also lead to life threatening complications, such as:infection that spreads from the lungs to your chest cavity (empyema)blockage of air to your lungs (endobronchial obstruction)pus buildup (lung abscess)lung collapse (atelectasis)inflammation of the heart’s outer lining (pericarditis)

Meningitis

Meningitis describes a serious and potentially fatal infection of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include:headacheneck stiffnessfeverconfusionpoor eating and vomiting (in babies)sensitivity to light (photophobia)

Bacteremia

Pneumococcal bacteremia describes a blood infection. This infection can lead to serious complications, including death. Symptoms of this blood infection include fever, chills, and low alertness.

Sepsis

Sepsis describes your body’s overall response to an infection. Pneumococcal disease may also cause sepsis. Symptoms of sepsis include:feverextreme chillsclamminess or sweatingsignificant muscle and joint painshortness of breathincreased heart rateconfusion If left untreated, sepsis may cause permanent damage to your:brainheartkidneyslungs

Sinusitis

While there are many causes of sinusitis, some sinus infections are due to pneumococcus. Symptoms of sinusitis can include:congestionrunny nosepostnasal driploss of smellfacial painheadache While rare, complications of sinusitis include bone and eye infections, as well as painful abscesses.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis refers to inflammation in the airways (bronchial tubes) of your lungs. While usually due to viral infections, bacterial infections like pneumococcus may also lead to bronchitis. Symptoms include:a productive coughwheezingshortness of breathchest painlow grade fever

Otitis media

Pneumococcal otitis media is a type of middle ear infection. This is one of the mildest and most common pneumococcal infections. Symptoms include:ear painswelling and redness of the eardrumfeverfatigue

How do doctors diagnose a pneumococcal infection

While a physical exam and your symptoms can help a doctor diagnose pneumococcal disease, the only way to know if you have this type of bacterial infection is through lab testing. A doctor will need to test a sample of your body fluids. They may do this through a urinary antigen test, which looks for C-polysaccharides in the sample. C-polysaccharides are antigens found on the cell walls of all pneumococci. Another common method is gram staining. This method involves taking a fluid sample via a swab. They may use a variety of fluids, including urine, blood, and sputum.

What is the treatment for pneumococcal disease

Since bacteria cause pneumococcal disease, the main treatment is a course of oral antibiotics. Other treatments may involve supportive care or treating specific symptoms. Depending on the type of infection you have, other treatment measures could include over-the-counter pain relievers, decongestants, and drinking plenty of fluids.

How can I prevent a pneumococcus infection

Although the protection rate is not 100%, pneumococcal vaccines can still help protect against most strains and related infections in both children and adults. There are four available vaccines against pneumococcus. Which vaccine is right for you will depend on several factors, such as:your agewhether you have any underlying conditionswhether you have had previous pneumococcal vaccines Talk with a medical professional to determine the vaccine or dosage that is best for you or your child. Pneumococcal vaccines are safe for most people. But temporary side effects may occur, such as:redness, swelling, and pain at the injection sitemuscle acheschillsfeverfatigueheadacheloss of appetite

Frequently asked questions

How often do I need a pneumococcus vaccine

The number of times a doctor may recommend the pneumococcal vaccine depends on your vaccination history, age, and medical history. The CDC recommends an initial 3-dose series for infants at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by a booster between 12 and 15 months. But you may need an additional booster later in life if you’re over 65 years old or have a weakened immune system.

Can I take antibiotics as a preventive measure

No. You should only take antibiotics if you have a confirmed bacterial infection. Antibiotics don’t work against viral and fungal infections, and they can’t prevent bacterial infections from occurring. They also come with potential side effects. Taking these medications when unnecessary can increase your risk of developing antibiotic resistance. This can make it harder for your body to fight infections in the future, while also making antibiotics not work as well.

Can I get pneumococcal disease more than once

Yes. For example, children may be more prone to pneumococcal otitis media, with repeated infections possibly requiring the need for ear tubes.

Is pneumococcus fatal

Pneumococcus can be fatal. According to the CDC, there were 3,250 deaths related to pneumococcal meningitis and bacteremia in the United States in 2019. About 1 in 20 people with pneumococcal pneumonia die from this lung infection.

Takeaway

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common type of bacteria that many people carry in their respiratory tract without knowing it. While not all strains cause illness, some may lead to a variety of pneumococcal diseases that can affect your lungs, brain, bloodstream, and other parts of your body. Some may even lead to life threatening complications. To protect yourself:Stay away from others who may be sick.Follow common public health recommendations such as frequent handwashing and physical distancing.Talk with a doctor to see if you’re up to date on your vaccinations. Last medically reviewed on October 19, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.About pneumococcal vaccines. (2022).
cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/pneumo/hcp/about-vaccine.htmlBronchitis. (2022).
nhlbi.nih.gov/health/bronchitisDiagnosis and medical management of pneumococcal disease. (2022).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/clinicians/diagnosis-medical-mgmt.htmlDiagnosis and treatment of pneumococcal disease. (2020).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/diagnosis-treatment.htmlFast facts you need to know about pneumococcal disease. (2022).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/about/facts.htmlHuemer M, et al. (2020). Antibiotic resistance and persistence: Implications for human health and treatment perspectives.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7726816/Pink book: pneumococcal disease. (2021).
cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/pneumo.htmlPneumococcal disease. (2022).
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/pneumococcal-disease-streptococcus-pneumoniaePneumococcal disease risk factors: Information for clinicians. (2022).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/clinicians/risk-factors.htmlPneumococcal polysaccharide VIS. (2019).
cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/ppv.htmlPneumococcal vaccination. (2022).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/vaccination.htmlStreptococcus pneumoniae. (2022).
cdc.gov/pneumococcal/clinicians/streptococcus-pneumoniae.htmlSymptoms and complications of pneumococcal disease. (2022).
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases/pneumococcal-disease-streptococcus-pneumoniaeTripathi N, et al. (2021). Gram staining.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562156/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 19, 2022 By Kristeen Cherney, PhD Edited By A. L. Heywood Medically Reviewed By Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP Copy Edited By Stassi Myer - CE Share this articleMedically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Kristeen Cherney on October 19, 2022

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