Duration of therapy for Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bloodstream infections

For duration of therapy for adults and children with Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bloodstream infections, refer to the recommendations for the source of infection. For duration of therapy and intravenous to oral switch recommendations, see Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) meningitis for pneumococcal meningitis and Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal) pneumonia for pneumococcal pneumonia. In adults, if the source of infection is not apparent, seek expert advice. In children, if the source of infection is not apparent, 7 to 10 days of therapy is usually adequate. An intravenous to oral switch may be considered in children who are afebrile and clinically improvingMcMullan, 2016.

In neonates with S. pneumoniae (pneumococcal) bloodstream infections, 7 to 10 days of therapy is usually adequate. An intravenous to oral switch is not usually recommended in infants younger than 28 days because drug absorption is variable in this age groupMcMullan, 2016.