Disclaimer: the treatment offered here is for medical professional’s note and not a prescription for a specific patient. Don’t take medicines without a doctor’s prescription. Incorrect medication can cause severe health issues and even death.
Remember that S. Pneumonia is a single species while S. Viridans is a large group of species.
| Category | S. Pneumoniae | S. Viridans |
|---|---|---|
| Morphology | Lancet shaped | Elongated, oval, or rounded |
| Capsule | Present | Absent |
| Quellung Test | Positive | Negative |
| Gram Stain | Gram positive | Gram positive |
| Bile Solubility | Soluble | Insoluble |
| Optochin Sensitivity | Sensitive | Resistant |
| Hemolysis | Beta hemolytic | Alpha Hemolytic or non hemolytic |
| Lancefiled Class | None | None |
| Important Diseases | C-MOPS. Conjunctivitis Meningitis Otitis Media Pneumonia Sinusitis |
Subacute infective endocarditis (SBE) Dental Carries Liver and Brain Abscesses |
| Treatment | Penicillin (resistance is common 40% or more patient are resistant) Ceftriaxone (not in children < 2 years) Cefotoxime in children < 2y Vancomycin |
SBE (S. Viridans) IV Benzyl Penicillin 1.2 g 6 times daily 4 weeksIV Gentamicin 1 mg/Kg 3 times daily 2 to 4 weeks Mind the penicillin allergies. |
Here is a visual mnemonic for you. Can you find the two pathogens?
