How does streptococcus pneumoniae spread?

Pneumococcal bacteria spread from person-to-person by direct contact with respiratory secretions, like saliva or mucus. Many people, especially children, have the bacteria in their nose or throat at one time or another without being ill. read more

Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria (“pneumococcus”). These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including: pneumonia (infection of the lungs), ear infections, sinus infections, meningitis (infection of the covering around the brain and spinal cord), and bacteremia (blood stream infection). read more

S. pneumoniae, the bacterium, is most commonly found in the throat and nose (nasopharynx) of infants and young children. They may also exist in the nasopharynx of adults, but this is less likely. The bacterium spreads from person-to-person via respiratory droplets - if the infected person coughs or sneezes in close proximity to other people, the other people may become infected. read more

Streptococcus pneumoniae is found worldwide. The common host is the human body, in which it often does not cause disease but at other times it can cause diseses in particular, pneumonia. It also causes otitis media, bacteremia, meningitis, peritonitis, and sinusitis. read more