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	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

The pneumococcus, a type of bacteria in the Streptococcus family (Streptococcus pneumoniae), is responsible for several types of diseases in adults and in children. In developing countries, pneumococcus is linked to high infant and child mortality rates. Even in more industrialized nations, pneumococcal diseases are common in adults and children. These diseases can lead to severe illness and even death, despite being preventable in many cases. The April 12, 2006, issue of JAMA includes an article about pneumococcal diseases and the beneficial effect of pneumococcal vaccination in infants and children.

TYPES OF PNEUMOCOCCAL DISEASE

• Meningitis (infection of the covering membranes of the brain and spinal cord)
  
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
  
• Otitis media (middle ear infection)
  
• Sinusitis (infection of the sinus cavities behind the face)
  
• Bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream)
  
• Sepsis (a serious bloodstream infection that can be fatal)
  

Janet M. Torpy, MD, Writer; Alison E. Burke, MA, Illustrator; Richard M. Glass, MD, Editor

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Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Among Infants Before and After Introduction of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
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