Infection and metabolism - Streptococcus pneumoniae metabolism facing the host environment

Streptococcus pneumoniae, a Gram-positive bacterium, can cause a broad range of severe diseases including pneumonia, septicemia and meningitis. The pneumococcal pathophysiology is highly dependent on host nutrients such as purines, pyrimidines, amino acids and carbon sources. The study of S. pneumoniae metabolism is essential for understanding the adaption strategies that are required to deal with the host environment during infection and to identify possible new drug targets. By using a combination of high analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), liquid chromatography (LC) and/or gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectroscopy (MS) the metabolism of S. pneumoniae can be precisely investigated. This review summarizes the metabolism and major virulence factors of S. pneumoniae within the context of infection. Furthermore, it addresses the antibiotic resistance and its influence on metabolism as well as new antimicrobial substances for the treatment of S. pneumoniae.