Picture 9
This picture shows Streptococcus pneumoniae stained with Gram stain. Contrast this with Picture 7.
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Morphology: Gram positive lancet-shaped cocci arranged in short chains or pairs, alpha-hemolytic, catalase negative, inhibited by optochin and lysed by bile and deoxycholate
Route of transmission: fomites, aerosols
Investigations: Gram stain and culture, chest x-rays, blood culture
Diseases:
Lobar pneumonia
Meningitis
Peritonitis and endocarditis
Treatment: IV Benzylpenicillin G (higher doses are required these days due to relative resistance)