How does Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize?

Key functions that enable Streptococcus pneumoniae colonization are: establishing the first contact with the epithelium and epithelial receptors, interaction with the complement system, mucus degradation, metal binding, impairment of neutrophil activity and the pro-inflammatory effects of the toxin pneumolysin (Ply).

Where does Strep Pneumo colonize?

Introduction. To survive in the human population, Streptococcus pneumoniae has evolved to colonize the mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract. From there, the pneumococcus can then successfully spread to other susceptible hosts.

What kind of bacteria is S. pneumoniae?

Streptococcus pneumoniae are lancet-shaped, gram-positive, facultative anaerobic bacteria with 100 known serotypes. Most S. pneumoniae serotypes can cause disease, but only a minority of serotypes produce the majority of pneumococcal infections. Pneumococci are common inhabitants of the respiratory tract.

What is the treatment of S pneumonia?

Antibiotic treatment for serious pneumococcal infections typically includes ‘broad-spectrum’ antibiotics until results of antibiotic sensitivity testing are available. Antibiotic sensitivity testing shows which antibiotics will be most successful at treating a bacterial infection.

What is the incubation period for Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Pneumococcal Disease in Adults The incubation period of pneumococcal pneumonia is short, about 1 to 3 days. Symptoms generally include an abrupt onset of fever and chills or a single rigor.

Why is Streptococcus pneumoniae capable of causing pneumonia?

Streptococcus pneumoniae, which initially inhabits the mucosal surfaces of the nasopharynx in its hosts (17), can migrate to the lungs, where it causes pneumococcal pneumonia (17).

What antibiotic kills Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Trovafloxacin is one of the fluoroquinolones active in vitro against S. pneumoniae, including strains resistant to cefotaxime and ceftriaxone (17).