Depending on the site(s) of infection, Streptococcus pneumoniae invasive disease has different clinical presentations (e.g. pneumonia, bacteraemia, or meningitis).

Ideally, obtain information on all of the clinical presentations listed. If the presentation was present, record by ticking the Yes box. If not, tick the No box. If not known or unavailable then tick the Unknown box.

Bacteraemia without focus indicates that blood culture is positive through a specific site for the infection is not known.

Specify any other clinical presentation which is not listed.

In approximately 25 percent of the population, the bacteria are carried asymptomatically at the back of the nasopharynx. Invasive pneumococcal disease occurs most commonly in the winter months. The risk of disease is higher in infants, the elderly and those with predisposing conditions such as immune deficiency states. It is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia in all ages and probably the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children.