Lower respiratory tract infection caused by penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections Caused by Penicillin-Susceptible Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of lower respiratory tract infections including pneumonia, bronchitis and sinusitis. It is an especially common cause of community-acquired pneumonia, which typically presents with fever, cough with sputum production, and shortness of breath. Penicillin is the treatment of choice for lower respiratory tract infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Treatment of penicillin-susceptible infections should be initiated with oral penicillin.
Signs and Symptoms of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Caused by Penicillin-Susceptible Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Patients with lower respiratory tract infections caused by penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae typically present with the following signs and symptoms:
- Fever
- Cough with sputum production
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
Risk Factors for Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Caused by Penicillin-Susceptible Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Risk factors for lower respiratory tract infections caused by penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae include advanced age, smoking, preexisting pulmonary disease, recent viral infection, and immunosuppression. Patients with diabetes, malignancy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at increased risk, as are those who are in close contact with people who have had a recent viral infection.
Diagnosis of Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Caused by Penicillin-Susceptible Streptococcus Pneumoniae
Lower respiratory tract infections caused by penicillin-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae can be diagnosed with a combination of physical examination findings, chest radiography, and laboratory tests such as a sputum culture. A positive sputum culture should prompt initiation of penicillin therapy, after excluding other causes, such as Legionella or Chlamydia.