Nephrology and Infectious Diseases

Pneumococcal disease is caused by common bacteria that can attack different parts of the body and is a leading cause of serious illness throughout the world.

Many people carry Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria in their nose and throat. The bacteria are transferred to another person through droplets of saliva or mucus, such as when a 'carrier' sneezes, coughs, shares toys or kisses someone. Most of the time, this doesn't cause any illness.