Understanding mortality in bacteremic pneumococcal pneumonia

Abstract

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children and the elderly (adults over 60 years of age) worldwide.(1,2) Data from community-based studies show that the estimated overall annual incidence of pneumococcal bacteremia in the United States is 15-30 cases per 100,000 population; the rate is higher for persons > 65 years of age (50-83 cases per 100,000 population) and for children < 2 years of age (160 cases per 100,000 population), with an overall case fatality rate ranging from 20% (in young adults) to 60% (in the elderly). Associated comorbidities also play an important role.(3) Among adults, 60-87% of all cases of pneumococcal bacteremia are attributed to pneumonia; among young children, the primary site of infection is frequently unidentified.