Which disease is commonly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen known for its role in causing pneumonia, particularly in individuals who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have underlying health conditions. This bacterium is a leading cause of bacterial pneumonia, which often develops after a viral respiratory infection or as a complication of other pulmonary diseases.

In pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae can invade the lung tissue, leading to inflammation and consolidation of the alveoli. Clinical manifestations often include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. The presence of the bacteria can be confirmed through chest X-rays and microbiological cultures of respiratory samples.

While Streptococcus pneumoniae also has associations with other serious infections, such as meningitis and otitis media, its prominent role in pneumonia makes it a primary pathogen of interest in respiratory diseases. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, while chlamydia refers to infections primarily caused by Chlamydia trachomatis.