Chapter 19, Problem 1CT

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The factors that make Streptococcus pneumoniae a frequent pathogen

Introduction:

Disease can be defined as any alteration from the normal state which changes the structure or function in an organism. These are medical conditions which are usually characterized by specific signs and symptoms.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is also called as pneumococcus. These bacteria are small, flat coccus shaped Gram-positive bacteria. Streptococcus pneumoniae causes pneumonia.

Explanation of Solution

Pneumonia is the infection of lungs. The lungs of pneumonia patients express inflammatory response when the alveoli get filled with the fluid. Pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. Such microorganisms can infect the host frequently. There are several factors that make Streptococcus pneumoniae a frequent pathogen. These factors are season, viral diseases of the respiratory tract, old age, diabetes, and excessive use of narcotics or alcohols.

If the respiratory tract is already infected by some other pathogens then there are high chances of rapid growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is more active in the winter season.

Onset of pneumonia in old age people makes the aged individual more prone towards other diseases such as heart stroke and breathing problems. Thus, pneumonia can be lethal for the elderly persons.

In diabetic condition, the level of blood sugar rises which provides a medium for this bacterium for proper growth and nutrition.

Overuse of alcohols and narcotics can suppress the normal activity of blood cells. Thus, the bacteria can easily infect the body cells.

Conclusion

Several characteristics of Streptococcus pneumoniae make them rapid pathogen. The pneumoniae bacteria can easily infect an individual because of several factors. The season, viral diseases of the respiratory tract, old age, diabetes, and excessive use of narcotics or alcohols are the factors that influence the pathogenic nature of the bacteria.