Streptococcus pneumoniae invasive disease (IPD)
About this Reportable Disease
Infectious agent: Streptococcus pneumoniae
Description of illness: Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) bacterium, also known as pneumococcus. Invasive disease means that bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally free from bacteria. For example, pneumococcal bacteria can invade the bloodstream, causing bacteremia, and the tissues and fluids covering the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis. When this happens, disease is usually very severe, requiring treatment in a hospital and even causing death in some cases. Children younger than 2 years old and adults 65 years old and older are at an increased risk for pneumococcal disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical.
Interactive Disease Data
Laboratory Reporting for this Disease
Streptococcus pneumoniae
| TEST NAME | Streptococcus pneumoniae | |
| DISEASE/DISORDER | Pneumonia, bacteremia, bacterial meningitidis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, idiopathic bacterial infections | |
| ALTERNATE NAME(S) | Streptococcus pneumoniae culture, Streptococcus pneumoniae, invasive disease | |
| METHODOLOGY | Culture | |
| SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS | Isolate submission is REQUIRED for laboratories. |
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| ORDERING INFORMATION | Lab Web Portal |
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Laboratory Reporting
Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated,, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.
- Manually report results to TDH by faxing or mailing a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department, or faxing to the state health office at (615) 741-3857
- Automatically submit results to TDH via electronic laboratory reporting (ELR), which automates the process of sharing data with TDH using interoperability standards.
- See the ELR Onboarding Handbook for details on the onboarding process, checklist, frequently asked questions, business rules, message format, and vocabulary.
- To initiate the ELR onboarding process with TDH, register in the Trading Partner Registration (TPR) system TPR provides documentation for Promoting Interoperability (PI) attestation and milestone letters to document onboarding progress. Contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.
- Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting.
- Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link.
Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers
Clinical Summary
- Pneumococcal disease is a serious bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, affecting both children and adults.
- It can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia, bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis, which can be life-threatening.
- Transmission occurs through direct contact with respiratory secretions like saliva or mucus, often in crowded settings.
- Symptoms vary by infection type but commonly include fever, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and confusion.
- Vaccination is the primary prevention method, with recommended vaccines for children, older adults, and individuals with certain health conditions.
Healthcare Provider Reporting
Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.
Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:
• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857
• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.
• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting.
• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link.
What It Is
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae.
It can affect people of all ages but is most severe in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
The bacteria can infect different parts of the body, leading to illnesses ranging from mild ear infections to life-threatening diseases.
It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Prevention is mainly through vaccination, which significantly reduces the risk of severe disease.
Types
Invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD): Bacteria invade normally sterile sites like blood or cerebrospinal fluid.
Bacteremia/septicemia: Infection in the bloodstream.
Meningitis: Infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Non-invasive pneumococcal disease: Includes pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis media (ear infections).
The type is classified based on the site and severity of infection.
Signs and Symptoms
Pneumonia: Fever, chills, cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing.
Bacteremia/septicemia: Fever, fatigue, rapid heartbeat, and low blood pressure.
Meningitis: Severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
Ear infections (otitis media): Ear pain, fluid drainage, irritability, and sometimes fever.
Symptoms vary depending on the site of infection and the age of the patient.
Treatment
Pneumococcal disease is treated with antibiotics; early treatment improves outcomes.
Severe cases may require hospitalization for supportive care and intravenous antibiotics.
Pain relievers and fever reducers can help manage symptoms.
Vaccination (PCV13, PCV15, PCV20, and PPSV23) is the primary preventive measure.
Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and death.
This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM