Pneumococcal infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. It attacks various parts of the body and causes different diseases such as:
Inflammation of the middle ear (otitis),
Inflammation of the sinuses (sinusitis),
Inflammation of the brain (meningitis),
Pneumonia (pneumonia).
The antibiotics are based on the treatment of these infections. By the early 1970s, virtually all pneumococcal infections were treated with conventional doses of normally available antibiotics. This therapy was reliably occupied. Most commonly, doctors prescribed the following medications:
Penicillins,
Macrolides,
Clindamycin,
Cephalosporins,
Rifampicin,
Vancomycin,
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (this combination is called kotrimoxazole).
Antibiotics are losing their breath
In 1990, the first cases of pneumococcal resistance against certain antibiotics appeared in the US. The bacteria did not die after the drug, but they "learned" to resist it. During the next years, pneumococci gained resistance against other antibiotics. This phenomenon is one of the most pressing problems of contemporary medicine.
Bacteria acquire antibiotic resistance in various ways, for example through gene mutation (changes in hereditary information).
However, bacterial resistance to antibiotics is by no means the only problem. What are you next?
It may happen that a pneumococcus that infects you and your child and causes a serious infection will be resistant to one group of antibiotics but will respond to other antibiotics. But just for antibiotics that can help you, you can be allergic. Allergy will be manifested by rash, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or even larynx, when there is a risk of suffocation.
Selected antibiotic groups should not be used in patients with liver, kidney, lung and many other diseases.
Also, in pregnancy, the supply of antibiotics is limited.
The solution is vaccination
Reliable pneumococcal protection is offered as a vaccine. Recommended for children under the age of 5 and for seniors over 65 years of age. These age groups are the most vulnerable to pneumococci. Infants may receive the first dose of the vaccine already at 2 months of age.
When certain conditions are met, vaccination is free of charge. If you are interested, talk to your doctor.
Source: Prevenar.cz