What is Streptococcus pneumoniae?
Streptococcus pneumoniae, also known as pneumococcus, is a type of bacterium that can cause a variety of infections, such as pneumonia, meningitis, and otitis media (middle ear infection). It is a gram-positive, spherical bacterium that typically lives in the upper respiratory tract of humans and is commonly found in the nasal passages and throat. Some strains of S. pneumoniae can cause severe and even life-threatening infections, especially in young children, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Pneumococcal vaccine is available for preventing the infections caused by this bacterium.
MCQ on Streptococcus pneumoniae
1. What type of microorganism is Streptococcus pneumoniae?
a) Bacterium
b) Fungus
c) Virus
d) Parasite
2. What is the most common type of infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae?
a) Pneumonia
b) Meningitis
c) Otitis media
d) Sinusitis
3. What is the name of the vaccine that helps protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections?
a) HPV vaccine
b) Influenza vaccine
c) Pneumococcal vaccine
d) Hepatitis B vaccine
4. Which of the following groups are at the highest risk for developing severe Streptococcus pneumoniae infections?
a) Children under 2 years old
b) Healthy adults
c) Elderly individuals
d) Immunocompromised individuals
5. What are the common symptoms of a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection?
a) Fever, cough, and shortness of breath
b) Headache, nausea, and vomiting
c) Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss
d) Rash, joint pain, and fatigue
6. How is a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection typically diagnosed?
a) Blood test
b) CT scan
c) Sputum culture
d) All of the above
7. What is the most common complication of a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection?
a) Bacteremia
b) Pneumonia
c) Meningitis
d) Sepsis
8. How is a Streptococcus pneumoniae infection typically treated?
a) Antibiotics
b) Antivirals
c) Steroids
d) Surgery
9. Can Streptococcus pneumoniae be transmitted from person to person?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Only through direct contact
d) Only through respiratory droplets.
10. What is the name of the protein that Streptococcus pneumoniae uses to evade the host’s immune response?
a) Pneumolysin
b) Choline
c) Capsular polysaccharide
d) Pneumococcal surface protein A
