Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 2, 2026
Using Bioluminescent Imaging to Investigate Synergism Between Streptococcus pneumoniae and Influenza A Virus in Infant Mice
Published on: April 14, 2011
Simultaneous Streptococcus pneumoniae empyema in fraternal twins
Alvaro E Galvis1, Sana Kamboj1,2, Craig Nakamura1,2
1University of Nevada, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Lied Clinic, 1524 Pinto Lane, Second Floor, 89106 Las Vegas, NV, United States.
Abstract:
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia. The current trend in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections has been the rise of multi-drug resistance in the last two decades. We present the case of a pair of 16-month old African-American fraternal twins who presented to the emergency room on the same day for symptoms consistent with pneumonia. Upon further examination, the twins showed remarkably similar symptoms, and cultures revealed penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae in both twins. The pneumonia affected both twins in the same way, but a tomography scan did not reveal any shared anatomical abnormalities to account for this near-identical progression. In a review of literature and case reports, there are no reported cases of fraternal twins with simultaneous or non-simultaneous pneumococcal pneumonia or effusions. This case suggests that there may be possible anatomical abnormalities in the fraternal twins which were not evident in routine testing that may have led to near-identical illnesses. The pathophysiology of the simultaneous and near identical infections is not clear but may reflect subtle genetic factors in the siblings.
Insights
This case study highlights penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia in fraternal twins. The near-identical illness progression in siblings suggests potential subtle genetic factors or undetected anatomical abnormalities.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Genetics
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia is frequently caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Multi-drug resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae has increased significantly over the past two decades.
- Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common childhood illness, but rarely reported in simultaneous or near-simultaneous cases in fraternal twins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of bilateral, concurrent penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia in African-American fraternal twins.
- To investigate potential underlying factors contributing to the near-identical presentation and progression of pneumococcal pneumonia in the twins.
- To explore the implications of this case for understanding the pathophysiology of simultaneous infections in genetically distinct siblings.
Main Methods:
- Clinical presentation and diagnostic workup of 16-month-old fraternal twins presenting with pneumonia symptoms.
- Bacteriological cultures to identify the causative agent and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Tomography scans to assess for anatomical abnormalities.
- Literature review of reported cases of pneumococcal pneumonia in twins.
Main Results:
- Both fraternal twins presented with similar pneumonia symptoms and were diagnosed with penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
- Tomography scans did not reveal any shared anatomical abnormalities that could explain the synchronized illness.
- A comprehensive literature search found no prior reports of simultaneous or non-simultaneous pneumococcal pneumonia in fraternal twins.
Conclusions:
- This case represents the first reported instance of fraternal twins experiencing simultaneous penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia.
- The near-identical illness progression suggests potential, yet undetected, anatomical abnormalities or subtle genetic factors influencing susceptibility and disease course in the siblings.
- Further investigation is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology behind such concordant infections in genetically related individuals.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
01:27Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include: