Pneumococci what is it
Pneumococci are among the most common causes of bacterial infections in children. They typically reside in the throat or nose. They cause upper respiratory tract infections (acute otitis media, sinusitis), bronchitis, and pneumonia, and in some cases, can cause severe, life-threatening invasive infections.
What do pneumococci cause?
Bacteria, breaking through protective barriers, enter the blood, causing: sepsis – a generalized infection with severe symptoms affecting many organs, meningitis, pneumonia or arthritis.
Children under 5 years of age are most vulnerable to diseases caused by pneumococci because their immune systems are not yet sufficiently developed.
How can you get infected with pneumococci?
Infection most often occurs through droplets or direct contact with a carrier or an infected person. Pneumococci are extremely virulent bacteria, resistant to various groups of antibiotics. This is a significant problem, which has recently been growing dangerously. The risk of infection among children increases significantly in large gatherings, such as nurseries and preschools, or other places where children gather in large groups and basic precautions cannot be followed.
Is it worth getting vaccinated against pneumococci?
Because this bacterium is common and contact with it is unavoidable, the only way to prevent infection is vaccination.
Vaccines protect against infection with 13 types of pneumococci, which most often cause invasive diseases.
Studies show that the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, and otitis media has decreased among children who have been vaccinated.
In countries where vaccination is mandatory, the effects are even better because vaccines also protect against carriage, which limits the spread of infection.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
What are pneumococci?
Pneumococci are bacteria that often settle in the throat or nose. They are a common cause of bacterial infections, especially in children.
What diseases do pneumococci cause?
Pneumococci can cause otitis media, sinusitis, bronchitis, and pneumonia. In more severe cases, they can cause invasive infections, including sepsis, meningitis, and arthritis.
Who is most at risk of pneumococcal infection?
Children under five years of age are most at risk because their immune systems are not yet fully developed. The risk also increases in large groups of children, such as in daycare centers and preschools.
How can you get infected with pneumococci?
Infection most often occurs through droplets or direct contact with an infected person or carrier. Bacteria can be spread through coughing, sneezing, and close contact.
What is pneumococcal carriage?
Being a carrier means having the bacteria in the nose or throat without any obvious symptoms. However, a carrier can transmit pneumococcal bacteria to others.
Why can pneumococci be dangerous?
Pneumococci can breach the body's natural defenses and enter the bloodstream. This can cause serious, life-threatening infections such as sepsis or meningitis.
Is it worth getting vaccinated against pneumococci?
Vaccination is one way to prevent pneumococcal infections. It can reduce the risk of invasive pneumococcal disease, pneumonia, and otitis media.
What does the pneumococcal vaccine protect against?
The vaccine protects against selected types of pneumococci, which are most often responsible for severe invasive infections. It's worth discussing the choice of vaccination and vaccination schedule with your doctor.
The information contained in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is recommended that you consult a physician or other qualified healthcare professional for advice regarding specific symptoms, ailments, or health conditions.