Researcher Information
Sharoni Michal
sharonim@mit.edu (123) 456-7890
The information provided below is for MIT researchers' use and is subject to change by EHS. For our legal disclaimer please see - http://ehs.mit.edu/site/content/legal-disclaimer
Agent Characteristics
Streptococcus pneumoniae
RG 2
Bacteria
    Yes      
Family: Streptococcaceae. Gram-positive, oval/lancet-shaped cocci are often arranged in pair or in short chains. With around 90 serotypes its surface capsule holds a complex mosaic of monosacharides, oligosaccharides, and other polymer components. On blood agar it forms round facultative anearobic colonies.
HumansRodentsOther mammals
Aerosol / InhalationCut/ Needlestick / Non-intact skinMucous Membranes
Infectious dose:  Unknown. Incubation time: Not well determined as they are present in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals, but it has been speculated to be about 1- 3 days.
Health Hazards
Pneumonia (fever, cough, shortness of breath), sinus infections (facial pain, nasal discharge), ear infections (pain, decreased hearing, +/- fever, fluid sensation), conjunctivitis (red, itchy eyes, discharge).  Can also cause bacterial meningitis (stiff neck, fever, headache, confusion) and many other types of infections.
Multiple vaccines for different strains of pneumococcus are available, based on age. 
Antibiotics in specific populations, such as those without a spleen
Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment.  The choice of medication depends on the location of infection and severity.
Containment
BSL 2
ABSL2
Viability
10% household bleach (~0.5% sodium hypochlorite)70% ethanolActivated hydrogen peroxide (PREempt, Rescue)Quaternary ammonia (Quatricide, sklar, Lysol spray, etc.)Phenolic (Vesphene II)hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid (Peridox)Fresh 2% glutaraldehyde (Gluterate / CIDEX)
Autoclave at 121°C for 30 minutes or dry heat at 160-170°C for 1 hour.
Survives outside the host for days, weeks, or for several months.
Inhalation, accidental injection, and direct contact with mucous membranes.
PPE/Containment
Wear gloves, lab coat, and appropriate lab attire (pants/long dress, closed toed shoes); eye protection, e.g. safety glasses, safety goggles recommended for liquids. Additional PPE may be required depending on lab specific SOPs for handling Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Work in a Biosafety cabinet is mandatory, Minimize use of sharps, use centrifuge lids or safety cups.
Spill Procedures
Notify others working in the lab.  Allow aerosols to settle. Don appropriate PPE.  Cover area of the spill with paper towels and apply an EPA approved disinfectant, working from the perimeter towards the center.  Allow 10 minutes of contact time. Cleanup spill materials and dispose as biowaste. Surface disinfect 5-10 minutes. Remove PPE and wash hands.
For large volume spills or biological spills in a public area, contact MIT's Biosafety Program or the EHS office (617-452-3477) during normal business hours.  If the spill occurs after hours or on weekends, activate the EHS ON CALL system by dialing Operations 3-4948 (617-253-4948) or MIT Police by dialing 100 from a campus phone or 617-253-1212 from a mobile phone.
Exposure Procedures
Flush eyes, mouth, or nose for 15 minutes at eyewash station.
Wash area with soap and water and rinse/scrub for 5-10 minutes.
Immediately report incident to supervisor, PI, or EHS Representative. PI/supervisor must submit incident report in Atlas within 24 hours.
Medical Follow-up
9:00am-4:00pm, weekdays:
contact MIT Occupational Health:
Phone: 617-253-8552
Address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
website		 8:00am-8:00pm, weekdays
10:00am-4:00pm, weekends
MIT Health Urgent Care
phone: 617-253-1311
address: 25 Carleton Street, Building E23, Cambridge, MA 02142
Or call MIT Police 617-253-1212		 Emergencies:
Call 100 from a campus phone or
617-253-1212 from a mobile phone
Additional comments
References
Created on April  5, 2021 at 12:13 PM (EDT). Last updated by Zhong, Lu on Nov. 19, 2025 at  5:21 PM (EST). Owned by Zhong, Lu.
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