streptococcus pneumoniae

Question 1

what is the biology of strep. pneumoniae?

Answer 1

gram positive diplococcus flame-shaped with a polysaccharide capsule

Question 2

where is strep pneumoniae soluble?

Answer 2

bile soluble

Question 3

strep pneumoniae is what type of gram?

Answer 3

positive

Question 4

what type of hemolysis occurs with Strep. pneumoniae in blood agar? (alpha, beta, or gamma?)

Answer 4

alpha

Question 5

does strep pneumoniae have a capsule?

if yes, what is its functional purpose?

Answer 5

yes, it protects it from phagocytes

Question 6

is strep pneumoniae bile soluble?

Answer 6

yes

Question 7

where is strep pneumoniae soluble?

Answer 7

in bile

Question 8

what is sensitive (inhibits growth) to strep pneumoniae?

Answer 8

optochin

Question 9

is strep. pneumoniae catalase + or -?

Answer 9

it is negative

Question 10

what else is catalase negative?

Answer 10

enteroccoci

Question 11

what helps detect the polysaccharide capsule of strep pneumoniae?

Answer 11

quellung reaction

Question 12

what does strep pneumoniae have to damage cells in the body?

Answer 12

Pneumolysin

Question 13

when vaccinating against strep pneumoniae, what bacterial part is the vaccine targeting?

Answer 13

the polysaccharide capsule

Question 14

what 3 tests can be done to differentiate strep pneumoniae from strep viridans?

Answer 14

Bile soluble

Optochin sensitive

Positive quellung reaction

Question 15

what helps protect strep pneumoniae in the body?

Answer 15

IgA protease

Question 16

what is pneumolysin?

Answer 16

It is a cytotoxin that binds to host cell membranes and goes to the pores

Question 17

what is pneumolysin going to do to cells?

What cells are affected?

Answer 17

• it will destroy host cells, especially:
• Ciliated epithelial cells
• Phagocytic cells

and

• Suppresses phagocytic cell oxidative burst

Question 18

what diseases will strep pneumoniae cause?

Answer 18

Pneumonia

Meningitis

Otitis media

Sinusitis

Question 19

what other bacteria can cause the same diseases as strep pneumoniae?

Answer 19

haemophilus influenza

Question 20

what is the most common cause of Community-acquired lobar pneumonia?

Answer 20

strep pneumoniae

Question 21

what symptoms can be seen in Community-acquired lobar pneumonia?

Answer 21

• shaking chills, high fever
• Productive cough with blood-tinged sputum * (“rusty sputum”)

Question 22

what patients are at high risk of serious infection with Community-acquired lobar pneumonia?

Answer 22

elderly

asplenic

Question 23

where do you find strep pneumoniae?

Answer 23

in upper resp. tract

Question 24

how does strep pneumoniae spread?

Answer 24

through respiratory droplets

Question 25

what factors predispose patients to strep pneumoniae?

Answer 25

previous viral resp. infection (measles or influenza)

asplenia (whcih can lead to septicemia)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Question 26

what is the most common cause of adult meningitis?

Answer 26

strep pneumoniae

Question 27

what symptoms can be seen in adult strep pneumoniae?

Answer 27

High fever

Nuchal rigidity

Photophobia

Nausea, vomiting

Question 28

what test can be done to confirm a case of meningitis due to strep pneumoniae?

what will be the findings?

Answer 28

spinal tap

gram stain showing neutrophils and GPS pairs

High neutrophils *

Low glucose *

Capsular antigen detected

Question 29

what is one of the most common cause of sinusitis and middle ear infection?

Answer 29

strep pneumoniae

Question 30

what predisposes to strep pneumoniae leading to sinusitis and otitis media?

Answer 30

a previous infection with the common cold

Question 31

what is the mechanism of resistance used by strep pneumoniae?

Answer 31

alteration of PBP’s

Question 32

30-40% of strep pnumoniae is resistant to what drug?

Answer 32

penicillin

Question 33

serious strep penumoniae infection can be treated with what drug?

Answer 33

Vancomycin + ceftriaxone

Question 34

what drug is used in children with strep pneumoniae caused sinusitis and otitis media?

Answer 34

erythromycin

Question 35

what prevention to strep pneumoniae exists for higher risk patients?

Answer 35

vaccination

Question 36

the vaccine for strep pneumoniae uses what from the bacteria?

Answer 36

the capsule