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Highlighted Disease

Streptococcus pneumonias

Definition:

Infections in the lungs caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae. The bacteria can live in our upper respiratory tract and may invade into one or more lobes of the lung. The disease frequently occurs after viral upper respiratory tract infections such as influenza.

• Who is at risk?
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

What else should I know?

Details of other illness

Source: Quality HealthCare Medical Services

Who is at risk?

• Though the disease is also common in children and young adults, those younger than 2 and above 65 years of age have greater risk for complications
• Smokers and alcoholics
• Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Patients with congestive heart failure or cerebrovascular disease
• Patients with immune deficiencies
• People who have their spleen removed, or those with sickle-cell disease or thalassemia who have a diseased spleen
• People with cochlear implants.

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Symptoms:

• Fever and chills, usually of acute sudden onset
• Cough, which is dry initially, becoming productive later and may be blood stained
• Chest pain, which is sharp and worse with deep breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Headache, nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain

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Treatment:

Treatment with antibiotics, such as penicillin, is usually effective if the disease is diagnosed early. However, the incidence of penicillin-resistance is rapidly increasing. More powerful and expensive drugs are necessary in such cases.

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Prevention:

There are two kinds of vaccines. "Polysaccharide vaccines" are made from polysaccharide antigens (sugar capsules) purified from the bacteria. It is not very effective in small children. Those younger than two should receive "conjugate vaccines " which are made by attaching a protein molecule into the polysaccharide antigen to boost immunity.

Pneumococcal vaccine was introduced into the Childhood Immunisation Programme in Hong Kong in September 2009. Newborns should receive a standard 3-dose primary series at 2nd, 4th and 6th months of age with a booster dose at 12-15th months. Those above 65 years old are also entitled to government subsidy scheme to be vaccinated.

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