Pneumococcal infection
Pneumococcal Infection
Pneumococcal infection (pronounced: noo-muh-KOK-ul in-fek-shun) is a type of bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. 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. The term "infection" comes from the Latin "infectio", meaning to taint or corrupt.
Definition
Pneumococcal infection refers to a range of illnesses caused by S. pneumoniae, including pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, and bacteremia. These infections can range from mild to severe, and can sometimes be life-threatening.
Symptoms
Symptoms of pneumococcal infection can vary depending on the type of infection. Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, stiff neck, confusion, and sensitivity to light.
Treatment
Treatment for pneumococcal infection typically involves antibiotics, such as penicillin, amoxicillin, or cephalosporins. In severe cases, hospitalization may be required.
Prevention
Prevention of pneumococcal infection is possible through vaccination. The pneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all children under the age of 2, adults over the age of 65, and people with certain health conditions.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pneumococcal infection
- Wikipedia's article - Pneumococcal infection
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