Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacterium that can infect the upper respiratory tract and cause pneumonia, as well as infections in other parts of the body such as the bloodstream (bacteremia), lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), bones (osteomyelitis), joints (arthritis), ears (otitis media) and sinuses (sinusitis).
Alcoholics and cigarette smokers are particularly susceptible to pulmonary infections caused by S. pneumoniae. A rodent study in the May issue of Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research has found that alcohol consumption increases movement of S. pneumoniae toward the lungs, and that smoke exposure exacerbates the alcohol-induced increase in bacterial penetration.
Alcohol consumption increases movement of S. pneumoniae toward the lungs
