Pneumokken

Pneumokken is a nonstandard or informal term sometimes used to refer to pneumococci, the bacteria known scientifically as Streptococcus pneumoniae. In formal microbiology and clinical writing, the organism is called Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococci, with pneumokokken used in some languages. The term Pneumokken itself is not widely adopted in contemporary taxonomy.

Biology and classification: Pneumococci are Gram-positive, lancet-shaped diplococci that are encapsulated. They can be part of the normal nasopharyngeal flora in children and some adults, yet they have a marked capacity to invade sterile sites. More than 90 serotypes exist, distinguished by their polysaccharide capsules, influencing virulence and vaccine coverage.

Clinical significance: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, bacteremia, and acute otitis media, as well as sinusitis. In invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Carriage and infection are influenced by age, immune status, coexisting diseases, and vaccination status.

Prevention and treatment: Vaccination with pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (for example PCV13, PCV15, PCV20) reduces invasive disease and some non-invasive infections. In adults and older children, PPSV23 is used in addition to conjugate vaccines in many programs. Antibiotic therapy should be guided by local resistance patterns; penicillin susceptibility varies by serotype and region, with higher resistance in some settings.

Notes on usage: The preferred terms are pneumococci or Streptococcus pneumoniae. The use of Pneumokken can cause confusion and is discouraged in formal contexts. See also: Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumococcal disease, pneumococcal vaccines.