Streptococcus pneumoniae

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an organism sometimes referred to as the pneumococcus. Streptococcus pneumoniae is a Gram positive coccus when viewed microscopically after Gram’s stain. It is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia. It may also cause meningitis, otitis media and a variety of other infections. Traditionally, Streptococcus pneumoniae has been regarded as susceptible to penicillin. However, some penicillin resistant strains do occur. These strains are most frequently treated with ceftriaxone or vancomycin.