Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
09:12
Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae
Published on: January 17, 2014
[Pneumococcal meningitis: epidemiological, clinical and bacteriological characteristics]
J A Soult Rubio1, C Rangel Pineda, M Muñoz Sáez
1Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Pediátricos. Hospital Infantil Universitario Virgen del Rocío. Sevilla. jasoult@terra.es
Anales Espanoles De Pediatria
|October 2, 2001
Summary
Pneumococcal meningitis is more severe than other bacterial meningitis types, affecting young children and those with predisposing conditions. Increased resistance necessitates vancomycin treatment and suggests widespread use of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Epidemiology of meningitis
- Bacteriology of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Context:
- Retrospective analysis of 53 pneumococcal meningitis cases in pediatric patients (1977-2000).
- Streptococcus pneumoniae confirmed via cerebrospinal fluid culture in all cases.
- Identified 4 cases of recurrent meningitis among the pediatric cohort.
Purpose:
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of pneumococcal meningitis.
- To investigate the characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections in children.
- To evaluate the impact of antibiotic resistance on treatment and outcomes.
Summary:
- Pneumococcal meningitis accounted for 6% of bacterial meningitis, with 2-3 annual cases, predominantly in winter/spring.
- Affected children ranged from 1 month to 13 years; 65% of those over 2 years had predisposing conditions.
- Antibiotic resistance emerged (penicillin-resistant 1990, cefotaxime-resistant 1994), leading to severe neurological sequelae in 13% and mortality in 4%.
Impact:
- Pneumococcal meningitis exhibits higher morbidity and mortality compared to other bacterial meningitis types.
- The disease primarily affects children under 2 years and older children with comorbidities.
- Rising antibiotic resistance and decreasing incidence of other bacterial meningitis types underscore the importance of pneumococcal meningitis. Initial empirical treatment should include vancomycin due to beta-lactam resistance. Generalized use of the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for the pediatric population.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...