Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

High mortality of invasive pneumococcal disease compared with meningococcal disease in critically ill children

Kentigern Thorburn1, Nia Taylor, Lucia Lopez-Rodriguez

  • 1Department of Paediatric Intensive Care, Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital, Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, L12 2AP, UK.

Intensive Care Medicine
|September 17, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in children has a higher mortality rate than meningococcal disease (MD). Early recognition, prompt antibiotic treatment, and vaccination are crucial for controlling IPD, similar to MD prevention strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Intensive Care
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Pathogens

Background:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are significant causes of invasive bacterial infections in children.
  • Comparing outcomes of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and meningococcal disease (MD) is essential for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the clinical outcomes, infection patterns, and antibiotic resistance of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients with IPD versus MD.
  • To evaluate the incidence of concurrent and superinfections in children with IPD and MD.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study was conducted in a regional pediatric intensive care unit.
  • Data were collected on children admitted to the PICU with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and meningococcal disease (MD).
  • Outcomes assessed included mortality, length of stay, concurrent infections, superinfections, and antibiotic resistance patterns.

Main Results:

  • IPD patients (n=22) had a higher standardized mortality ratio (2.0) compared to MD patients (n=186, 0.52).
  • Concurrent infection rates were 27% for IPD and 18% for MD; superinfections were rare (0% for IPD, 6% for MD).
  • All S. pneumoniae isolates were sensitive to cefotaxime, with low penicillin resistance (3.7%); all N. meningitidis isolates were sensitive to both antibiotics.

Conclusions:

  • Invasive pneumococcal disease warrants the same level of concern and preventative measures as meningococcal disease.
  • Community-based preventative strategies, including early recognition, prompt antibiotic therapy, and vaccination, are vital for controlling IPD.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial 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...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.