IPD … Harm Amongst Children

IPD, or invasive pneumococcal disease, is a condition resulting from an aggressive bacterial infection caused by pneumococcus. This disease comprises two major types: meningitis and septicemia. In some cases, it may also involve pneumonia with bloodstream infection. Moreover, pneumococcus is a significant contributor to sinusitis and otitis media.

Importance of IPD

Pneumococcal infection is prevalent and has the potential to cause severe illnesses, especially in young children, older adults, and individuals with certain medical conditions. In some cases, it can even lead to death or aphasia.

Moreover, pneumococcus has developed resistance to antibiotics such as penicillin that used to be effective in the past. As a result, treating pneumococcus and invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has become more challenging.

Symptoms of IPD Patients

Symptoms of IPD vary depending on the infected organ and the age of the patient.

For meningitis, patients may experience fever, headache, lethargy, and convulsions, especially in young children.

For bloodstream infections, patients may have a high fever, lethargy, and low blood pressure. Pediatric patients may experience seizures due to high fever.

Pneumococcal pneumonia patients may experience high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms tend to develop more quickly than in viral pneumonia patients. Pneumococcal pneumonia may also follow viral infections, particularly influenza viruses.

IPD Diagnosis

To diagnose IPD, doctors rely on the patient's symptoms and laboratory findings. A full blood count may indicate an elevated white blood cell count, particularly in patients with bloodstream infections. Cultures of cerebrospinal fluid, blood, or sputum can help confirm the diagnosis that the disease is caused by pneumococcus.

Treatment for IPD Patients

The main principle of treatment for patients with IPD is to administer appropriate antimicrobials. The choice of drugs depends on the specific disease and the likelihood of encountering drug-resistant bacteria.

In the past, physicians commonly used penicillin-based antimicrobials to treat IPD patients. However, the issue of drug-resistant pneumococcus has led to a change in the choice of antimicrobial agents. Before confirming pneumococcal infection, the selection of antimicrobial agents should cover the pathogens that could cause other infectious diseases. This is in addition to coverage for pneumococcus.

Once pneumococcal infection is confirmed in the laboratory, appropriate antimicrobial therapy can be switched based on the susceptibility of the identified pathogen to the drug.

IPD Prevention

Preventing IPD in children involves avoiding crowded places, wearing a mask to cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and frequently washing hands. This may help to reduce the spread of pneumococcus and prevent respiratory viral infections. Additionally, consulting a doctor for advice on appropriate immunization and vaccination can help to strengthen the immune system. For children from birth to 15 years old, consult the Pediatric Clinic located on the 2nd floor of Building 4 or call Tel. 0-2561-1111 ext. 4220-1. For adults over 15 years old, consult the Vaccine Center by phone."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chitsanu Phancharoen

Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine

Chulalongkorn University