Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal (pronunciation: /njuːməˈkɒkəl/) refers to anything related to the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus.
Etymology
The term "pneumococcal" is derived from the Greek words "pneumon" meaning lung and "kokkos" meaning berry, referring to the bacterium's spherical shape and its association with lung infections.
Definition
Pneumococcal infections are caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to various serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis. These bacteria are usually found in the nose and throat and can spread to other parts of the body, causing local infections (such as sinusitis and otitis) or invasive diseases.
Related Terms
- Pneumonia: An infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid.
- Meningitis: An inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
- Sepsis: A potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body's response to an infection.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation or swelling of the tissue lining the sinuses.
- Otitis: Inflammation or infection of the ear.
Prevention
Pneumococcal infections can be prevented through vaccination. There are two types of pneumococcal vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). Both vaccines provide protection against the most common types of pneumococcal bacteria.
Treatment
Treatment for pneumococcal infections includes antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, and erythromycin. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pneumococcal
- Wikipedia's article - Pneumococcal
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