Knowledge, attitude and practices about pneumococcal infection among Algerian Hajj Pilgrims

ABSTRACT

Background: Hajj attendance increases the risk of respiratory infections including pneumonia. Pneumococcal infections are caused by Streptococcus pneumonia, a gram-positive, catalase-negative organism normally mentioned as pneumococcus. S pneumonia is the most mutual reason of community acquired pneumonia [CAP], bacteremia, otitis media, and bacterial meningitis, in addition to a significant cause of sinusitis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, endocarditis, and peritonitis. Complications of each of these diagnoses are common. Clinical symptoms, signs and physical examination findings alone cannot differentiate S pneumonia disease from infections caused by other pathogens