Description
Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for causing severe acute bacterial infections like pneumonia, sepsis, and meningitis. Distinguishing it from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci is achievable by assessing its susceptibility to optochin, as indicated in the accompanying image. Notably, the pneumococcal polysaccharide capsule plays a crucial role in evading phagocytosis, contributing to its pathogenicity.