PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumococcal infection refers to an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, commonly known as pneumococcus. This bacterium is responsible for a wide range of infections that can occur in various parts of the body, most notably the respiratory system. Pneumococcal infections can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and middle ear infections.
Pneumococcal pneumonia is the most common manifestation of the infection, affecting the lungs and causing symptoms such as cough, chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing. Meningitis, another severe condition that can result from pneumococcal infection, involves the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include severe headache, fever, stiffness in the neck, and sensitivity to light.
Pneumococcal infections can occur in people of all ages but are particularly concerning in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets, spreading from person to person through coughing, sneezing, or close contact.
Prevention of pneumococcal infection primarily includes vaccination, as there are vaccines available to protect against the most common strains of pneumococcus. Antibiotics are also an important treatment option for pneumococcal infections, as they help eliminate the bacteria and control the spread of the disease. Prompt medical attention is crucial for the appropriate treatment of pneumococcal infection, particularly in severe cases that can potentially lead to life-threatening complications.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION
- oneumococcal infection
- lneumococcal infection
- -neumococcal infection
- 0neumococcal infection
- pbeumococcal infection
- pmeumococcal infection
- pjeumococcal infection
- pheumococcal infection
- pnwumococcal infection
- pnsumococcal infection
- pndumococcal infection
- pnrumococcal infection
- pn4umococcal infection
- pn3umococcal infection
- pneymococcal infection
- pnehmococcal infection
- pnejmococcal infection
- pneimococcal infection
- pne8mococcal infection
- pne7mococcal infection
Etymology of PNEUMOCOCCAL INFECTION
The word "pneumococcal" is derived from two parts: "pneumo-" and "coccal".
1. "Pneumo-" is derived from the Greek word "pneûma" (πνεῦμα), which means "breath" or "air". In medical terminology, this root is used to refer to the respiratory system, lungs, or conditions related to the respiratory tract.
2. "-Coccal" is derived from the Greek word "kokkos" (κόκκος), which means "berry" or "granule". In medical terminology, this root is used to refer to microorganisms that have a spherical shape, such as cocci bacteria.
Therefore, "pneumococcal" refers to an infection caused by a specific type of spherical bacteria called "Streptococcus pneumoniae".
