From the Guidelines
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia, acute otitis media, bacterial sinusitis, and bacterial meningitis. This gram-positive, encapsulated diplococcus is responsible for approximately 30-50% of community-acquired pneumonia cases, making it the leading bacterial cause of this condition 1. According to the most recent evidence, S. pneumoniae continues to be the most common bacterial pathogen responsible for community-acquired pneumonia, regardless of patient age and comorbidities 1. Some key points to consider include:
- S. pneumoniae is the predominant pathogen in acute otitis media in children, accounting for about 30-40% of cases.
- In bacterial sinusitis, it causes roughly 25-30% of infections.
- For bacterial meningitis in adults, S. pneumoniae has become the most common cause since the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination.
- The pathogen's virulence stems from its polysaccharide capsule that helps it evade phagocytosis, along with various surface proteins that facilitate adhesion to host tissues.
- Treatment typically involves beta-lactam antibiotics like amoxicillin (500-875mg three times daily for 5-7 days) for mild to moderate infections, while more severe infections may require intravenous ceftriaxone (1-2g daily) 1.
- Increasing antibiotic resistance, particularly to penicillins and macrolides, has complicated treatment in some regions, making pneumococcal vaccination an important preventive measure 1. It is essential to note that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia compared with age-matched control subjects, and vaccination with a pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13 or PPSV23) is associated with decreased risk of severe pneumococcal disease 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Nosocomial pneumonia caused by Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible and -resistant strains), or Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains [MDRSP]) Community-acquired pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae (including multi-drug resistant strains [MDRSP]2), including cases with concurrent bacteremia, or Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-susceptible strains only)
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen in community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia conditions.
- Key conditions: community-acquired pneumonia, nosocomial pneumonia 2
From the Research
Conditions where Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common pathogen
- Community-acquired pneumonia: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, as stated in studies 3, 4, 5.
- Meningitis and bacteremia: It is also the most common cause of meningitis and bacteremia in children and adults, according to 3.
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD): Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary cause of IPD, which primarily affects young children, older adults, and individuals with comorbidities or impaired immune systems 3.
- Respiratory tract infections: Pneumococcal infections are the most common cause of milder respiratory tract infections, such as otitis and sinusitis, as well as more severe diseases, including pneumonia and meningitis 6.