Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 8, 2026

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage
07:47

Experimental Human Pneumococcal Carriage

Published on: February 15, 2013

A comparative study of bacteremic and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia

Francisco Jover1, José-María Cuadrado, Lucio Andreu

  • 1Infectious Diseases Division, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital of San Juan, Alicante, Spain. fjoverdiaz@coma.es

European Journal of Internal Medicine
|January 22, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors differ between bacteremic and non-bacteremic cases. Current smokers face higher bacteremic risk, while former smokers and COPD patients show increased non-bacteremic pneumonia.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Clinical Microbiology

Background:

  • Distinguishing bacteremic from non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia is challenging.
  • Recent advancements in Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen detection aid diagnosis.
  • This study compares clinical features, risk factors, and outcomes of bacteremic versus non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare clinical and radiological features between bacteremic and non-bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • To identify distinct risk factors associated with each group.
  • To analyze differences in treatment outcomes and hospital stay.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 82 patients diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia (1995-2003).
  • Bacteremic group identified via blood cultures.
  • Non-bacteremic group identified via Streptococcus pneumoniae urinary antigen detection.

Main Results:

  • Bacteremic patients were younger and more likely to have liver disease, be current smokers, abuse alcohol/drugs, or be HIV-infected.
  • Non-bacteremic patients more frequently had congestive heart failure, COPD, or were former smokers.
  • Bacteremic cases required longer intravenous antibiotic treatment and had a longer hospital stay.

Conclusions:

  • Smoking is a primary risk factor for pneumococcal pneumonia.
  • Current smokers are at higher risk for bacteremic forms; former smokers and COPD patients for non-bacteremic forms.
  • Bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia necessitates more prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy.

More Related Videos

A Non-invasive and Technically Non-intensive Method for Induction and Phenotyping of Experimental Bacterial Pneumonia in Mice07:43

A Non-invasive and Technically Non-intensive Method for Induction and Phenotyping of Experimental Bacterial Pneumonia in Mice

Published on: September 28, 2016

Using the Overlay Assay to Qualitatively Measure Bacterial Production of and Sensitivity to Pneumococcal Bacteriocins06:05

Using the Overlay Assay to Qualitatively Measure Bacterial Production of and Sensitivity to Pneumococcal Bacteriocins

Published on: September 30, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical 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...
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:
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 II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
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...