Streptococcus Pneumoniae
The following are true regarding Streptococcus pneumoniae EXCEPT:
What our notes say
- The following are true regarding Streptococcus pneumoniae EXCEPT: (Paediatrics end of fourth year special supplementary exam: August 2019, Paper On)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause, which is why first-line oral therapy such as amoxicillin covers it. (Respiratory Medicine Question Bank: 15 Clinical MCQs)
- The most common organism is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). (Respiratory system pathology mcqs — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
- | CAP | Streptococcus pneumoniae (commonest), *Haemophilus influenzae*, *Mycoplasma pneumoniae*, *Legionella*, *Chlamydophila*, viruses (influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2) | (Pneumonia)
- Alpha (α) hemolysis: partial/incomplete hemolysis, greenish discoloration on blood agar (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae, viridans streptococci) (Bacteriology and Entomology Supplementary Exam)
- Discuss the sensitivity testing and reporting of Streptococcus pneumoniae by CLSI methods in the following cases. (FAIMSmicro 1 2006 — Past Paper Questions & Answers)
Study material on Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae: Characteristics, Pathogenesis, and Management
- Respiratory system pathology mcqs
- Pneumonia
- Immunopathology complete mcqs
- CNS PATHOLOGY
- Immunopathology
- Streptococcus Classification, S. pyogenes, Rheumatic Fever, AGN
- Principles of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology LAQs & SAQs
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Weekly Year 2: Microbiology Exam - June 12, 2026 (Section A: MCQs)
Practice questions on Streptococcus Pneumoniae
A male infant is born at term with no congenital anomalies noted. A year later he has failure to thrive and has had one bacterial pneumonia after another, with both *Haemophilus influenzae* and *Streptococcus pneumoniae* cultured from sputum. Which disease is he most likely to have?
- DiGeorge syndrome
- Selective IgA deficiency
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection
- Acute leukemia
- X-linked agammaglobulinemia
Answer: E. * Recurrent bacterial infections suggest impaired B-cell function with lack of immunoglobulin production. Once protective maternal antibodies wane, the disease manifests more severely. ---
A 62-year-old man has 3 months of dull back pain and develops a productive cough. CXR of the spine shows several 1–2 cm lytic vertebral lesions. Labs show BUN 49, creatinine 5, total protein 8.3, albumin 3.7. Sputum grows Streptococcus pneumoniae. Most likely bone marrow biopsy finding?
- Scattered small granulomas
- Nodules of small mature lymphocytes
- Occasional Reed-Sternberg cells
- Numerous plasma cells
Answer: D. Lytic bone lesions + renal failure + high total protein + recurrent encapsulated bacterial infections = multiple myeloma. Bone marrow shows sheets of plasma cells producing the abnormal immunoglobulin. ---
Streptococcus pneumoniae can be normal flora in 5-40% of people. At what anatomic site?
- Conjunctiva
- Nasopharynx
- Colon
- Urethra
- Vagina
Answer: B. S. pneumoniae commonly colonizes the nasopharynx asymptomatically. Colonization rates are highest in children and can lead to invasive disease under certain conditions. ---
A 62-year-old man has 3 months of dull back pain and develops a productive cough. CXR of the spine shows several 1–2 cm lytic vertebral lesions. Labs show BUN 49, creatinine 5, total protein 8.3, albumin 3.7. Sputum grows Streptococcus pneumoniae. Most likely bone marrow biopsy finding?
- Normal cellularity
- Increased plasma cells with M-protein
- Decreased megakaryocytes
- Blast crisis
Answer: B. The constellation of lytic bone lesions, elevated BUN and creatinine (suggesting renal involvement, potentially from amyloidosis or light chain deposition), and plasma cell dyscrasia is highly suggestive of multiple myeloma. Bone marrow biopsy would reveal a significant increase in plasma cells, often producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin (M-protein).
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired bacterial meningitis in adults.
- A) Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B) Neisseria meningitidis
- C) Haemophilus influenzae type b
- D) Listeria monocytogenes
Answer: A. While Neisseria meningitidis and Haemophilus influenzae type b are significant causes of bacterial meningitis, Streptococcus pneumoniae is considered the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adults in many parts of the world, particularly in developed countries.
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of 'typical' pneumonia.
- A) Streptococcus pneumoniae
- B) Haemophilus influenzae
- C) Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- D) Legionella pneumophila
Answer: A. Streptococcus pneumoniae is widely recognized as the most frequent bacterial cause of community-acquired pneumonia, often referred to as 'typical' pneumonia due to its characteristic presentation.