Sinusitis and otitis media are the two most common noninvasive syndromes caused by S. pneumoniae; the latter is the most common pneumococcal syndrome and most often affects young children. See Chap. 58. Sore Throat, Earache, and Upper Respiratory Symptoms for more detail.
Treatment: Pneumococcal Infections - Penicillin remains the cornerstone of treatment for pneumococcal disease caused by sensitive isolates, with daily doses ranging from 50,000 U/kg for minor infections to 300,000 U/kg for meningitis. Macrolides and cephalosporins are alternatives for penicillin-allergic pts but otherwise offer no advantage over penicillin.
- Strains resistant to β-lactam drugs are increasing in frequency, and antibiotic recommendations are typically based on the minimal inhibitory concentration against the isolate, particularly in cases of invasive disease.
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