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Streptococcus Pneumoniae: Prof. Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh

This document discusses Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a gram-positive bacterium that is a major cause of respiratory infections. It describes the characteristics of pneumococcal colonies on blood agar and optimal growth conditions. Key virulence factors include an encapsulating polysaccharide that helps the bacteria evade phagocytosis. Diagnosis involves isolating the bacteria from sputum or CSF samples and identifying alpha-hemolytic colonies that are optochin-sensitive. Pneumococcus can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections treatable with antibiotics, though some resistant strains have emerged.

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Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh
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120 views12 pages

Streptococcus Pneumoniae: Prof. Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh

This document discusses Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), a gram-positive bacterium that is a major cause of respiratory infections. It describes the characteristics of pneumococcal colonies on blood agar and optimal growth conditions. Key virulence factors include an encapsulating polysaccharide that helps the bacteria evade phagocytosis. Diagnosis involves isolating the bacteria from sputum or CSF samples and identifying alpha-hemolytic colonies that are optochin-sensitive. Pneumococcus can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections treatable with antibiotics, though some resistant strains have emerged.

Uploaded by

Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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‫بسم اهلل الرحمن الرحيم‬

Streptococcus pneumoniae
Prof. Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh
 Diplococcus pneumoniae or
Pneumococcus
 Gram +ve Coccus, Encapsulated,
Occur in Pairs with Broad Ends
Opposed.
 Requires Enriched Media for Growth.

 Growth Enhanced by 0.1% Glucose


and 5-10% CO2.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Colonies on Blood Agar
 1 mm in Diameter, Round, Domed and
Surrounded by a Zone of -Haemolysis.
 On Prolonged Incubation:
"Draughtsman" Colonies.
 Some Strains > Mucoid Colonies.
 In Broth > Short Chains or Isolated Cocci.
 Soluble in Bile.
 Sensitive to Optochin (Ethylhydrocuprein
Hydrochloride).
VIRULENCE FACTORS
 Capsular Polysacharide > Antiphagocytic.
– Repeated Subculturing in the Presence of
Specific Anticapsular Antibody Results in Non-
Capsulated Strains.
 Non-Capsulated Strains > Avirulent >
"R" Colonies.
 "S" Colonies >> Virulent.

Capsule Can Be Demonstrated by:


1. "Quelling Reaction" or “Capsular Swelling
Test”:
2. Addition of India Ink:
CLINICAL INFECTION
 Pneumococcal Infections of the
Respiratory Tract.

 Causes Disease of the Middle Ear,


Paranasal Sinuses, Mastoides and the
Lung Paranchyma.

 Meningitis, Endocarditis and


Peritonitis.

 Pneumococcal Bacteraemia.
Pneumococcal Meningitis
LABORATORY DIAGNOSIS
1. Specimens:
 Sputum:
i. Should Show a Predominance of Pus Cells Rather
Than Squamous Epithelial Cells of Buccal Origin.

ii. The Specimen is Then Homogenized by an Agent


(e.g. N-Acetylcysteine).

 CSF Deposit: From Cases of Meningitis.

 Blood: Patients with Pneumococcal


Pneumonia and Meningitis.
2. Isolation and Identification:
Gram Stain BA

Incubate in 5-10% CO2/


Overnight

 - Haemolytic Colonies

Susceptibility to Optochin

Sensitive >> Strep. Pneumoniae


Resistant >> Strep. viridans
TREATMENT
 Penicillins, Cephalosporins, Erythromycin,
Tetracycline, Clindamycin, Vancomycin
and Ciprofloxacin.

 Resistance:
Streptococcus viridans

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