Invasive Pneumococcal Disease Secondary to Acute Otitis Media in a High-Risk Patient: A Case Report and Review of Recent Changes to Pneumococcal Immunization Guidelines

Streptococcus pneumoniae can commonly cause otitis media, sinusitis, pneumonia, or meningitis; however, these infections less frequently can develop into invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). Vaccination for the prevention of pneumococcal disease has significantly decreased complications from severe infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and IPD, in patients with certain risk factors. In this case study, we describe a unique presentation of disseminated S. pneumoniae meningitis and bacteremia in a patient who initially presented with acute otitis media (AOM). Due to the patient's multiple comorbidities of obesity, tobacco use, pre-diabetes, coronary artery disease, and lack of pneumococcal vaccination, their AOM rapidly progressed to life-threatening, an invasive pneumococcal infection which was successfully treated with timely initiation of antibiotics. In addition to discussing the patient's clinical course and treatment regimen, we will review pertinent updates to the pneumococcal vaccination guidelines for high-risk patients and their efficacy in preventing severe disease.