Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2025

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Pneumococcal Septic Shock Syndrome: A Deadly Condition Despite Vaccination
Liliana Costa1, Sofia Silva1, Núria Jorge1
1Intensive Care Unit Department, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João, Porto, PRT.
Invasive pneumococcal disease remains a threat, even in vaccinated asplenic patients. Fever in these individuals signals an emergency, underscoring the need for vigilance despite vaccination success.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) presents a significant mortality risk, particularly for asplenic individuals.
- Widespread vaccination has reduced IPD incidence, with new conjugate vaccines introduced in 2021.
- Asplenia compromises immune function, increasing susceptibility to encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Observation:
- A case study of a 58-year-old male with a complete immunization schedule and prior splenectomy is presented.
- The patient experienced a rapid, fatal course of invasive pneumococcal disease.
- Fever in asplenic patients was identified as a critical emergency sign.
Findings:
- Despite successful immunization programs, IPD can still occur with high fatality.
- Evolving pneumococcal serotypes pose an ongoing challenge to vaccine efficacy.
- Local epidemiological data may be crucial for optimizing vaccine recommendations, especially with new vaccine introductions.
Implications:
- Fever in asplenic patients requires immediate medical attention, irrespective of vaccination status.
- Continuous monitoring of pneumococcal serotype distribution is essential for public health strategies.
- Personalized vaccination strategies, informed by local epidemiology, may be necessary to address emerging threats.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Pneumonia 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:
Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
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....
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:

