Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal Disease is caused by a bacterium known as pneumococcus bacterium. While pneumococcus bacterium is present in many people's noses and throats, it is still unknown why it suddenly invades the body and causes disease.
Pneumococcal bacterium is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is the most common cause of pneumonia, inflammation of the coverings of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), bloodstream infection (sepsis), ear infections and sinus infections (sinusitis) in children under 2 years of age. Serious pneumococcal infections are most common in infants, toddlers, and the elderly.
Each year in the United States among children younger than five years of age, pneumococcal disease accounts for at least 1,400 cases of meningitis; 17,000 cases of bacteremia; 71,000 cases of pneumonia; and 5 to 7 million middle ear infections. Pneumococcal disease has a higher incidence in individuals with certain health problems such as immune deficiencies, sickle cell disease, or lack of a functioning spleen. Additionally, there is a higher rate of infection in children of certain ethnic populations including African-American, Alaskan Native, and specific Native American populations.
