This innocent-looking little organism is the pneumococcus, formally known as Streptococcus pneumoniae.It has probably killed more humans over the eons than any other instrument of death, and is still a vicious predator. It is particularly fond of infants and the elderly. As might be surmised from its name, it is a common cause of pneumonia, but it is also the #1 cause of meningitis and a major cause of a host of other potentially fatal illnesses in all parts of the world. Fortunately it remains sensitive to common antibiotics including penicillin (usually) and there is a vaccine--which is HIGHLY underutilized--for the elderly. It is spread from person to person via the respiratory system, so cover your cough and WASH THOSE HANDS!
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