Does Streptococcus pneumoniae have a polysaccharide capsule?

The polysaccharide capsule of Streptococcus pneumoniae is the dominant surface structure of the organism and plays a critical role in virulence, principally by interfering with host opsonophagocytic clearance mechanisms.

Why is the Autolysin important in the pathogenesis of S pneumoniae mediated disease?

pneumoniae enzyme, autolysin (LytA). Autolysin naturally degrades the bacterial cell wall during cell division, but under certain conditions such as in the stationary phase of growth in vitro or on antibiotic or detergent treatment it induces cell lysis (132).

What is Streptococcus pneumoniae function?

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an infectious pathogen responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. Diseases caused by this bacterium are classified as pneumococcal diseases. This pathogen colonizes the nasopharynx of its host asymptomatically, but overtime can migrate to sterile tissues and organs and cause infections.

Is pneumococcal airborne?

Pneumococcus is spread by airborne droplets and is a leading cause of serious illness, including bacteremia, meningitis, and pneumonia among children and adults worldwide.

What are the complications of pneumococcal pneumonia?

Complications of pneumococcal pneumonia include: Infection of the space between membranes that surround the lungs and chest cavity (empyema) Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart (pericarditis)…Pneumonia

• Fever and chills.
• Cough.
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain.

What is invasive pneumococcal disease?

INTRODUCTION. Invasive pneumococcal disease is defined as an infection confirmed by the isolation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from a normally sterile site (eg, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and pleural, joint, or peritoneal fluid but not sputum).

Does Streptococcus pneumoniae cause pneumonia?

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) can cause a range of different illnesses including sinusitis, otitis media, pneumonia, bacteraemia, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis and meningitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia?

Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia, a lung infection, include:

• Fever and chills.
• Cough.
• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing.
• Chest pain.

Where does Streptococcus pneumoniae live in the body?

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium commonly found in the nose and throat. The bacterium can sometimes cause severe illness in children, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems.

How contagious is pneumococcal disease?

People spread pneumococcal bacteria to others through direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. Many people, especially children, have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. Doctors call this “carriage” and do not know why it only rarely leads to sickness.

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