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Professional Technical IVT

invasive pneumococcal disease

Pronunciation: in-VAY-siv new-moh-KOK-al dih-ZEEZ

Also written as: IPD — invasive pneumococcal disease

Serious infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae involving normally sterile sites, including meningitis, bacteremia, and pneumonia with empyema.

Full Definition

Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) refers to severe infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in which the organism is isolated from normally sterile body sites such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, or joint fluid. Common manifestations in children include bacteremic pneumonia, meningitis, septic arthritis, and primary bacteremia. The disease predominantly affects children under 2 years of age and those with underlying conditions such as immunodeficiency, asplenia, or chronic illness. Since the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV7, PCV13), the incidence has decreased dramatically, but serotype replacement has led to infections with non-vaccine strains. IPD carries significant morbidity and mortality, requiring immediate recognition and aggressive antibiotic treatment. It is a reportable disease in most jurisdictions.

Usage

Usage note: Requires isolation from sterile sites; distinguish from pneumococcal colonization or non-invasive infection.

In Context

  • "Blood cultures grew Streptococcus pneumoniae, confirming invasive pneumococcal disease." — Hospital microbiology report
  • "The case was reported to public health as invasive pneumococcal disease per surveillance requirements." — Infectious disease consultation

Also known as

IPD invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae infection

Contrasted with

non-invasive pneumococcal infection

Don't confuse with

pneumococcal pneumonia pneumococcal colonization invasive meningococcal disease

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