Overview
This entry in the Orphanet rare disease database is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it is no longer used as an active disease classification. It was previously listed under the name 'Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia,' which refers to a serious bloodstream infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus) that occurs without a clearly identified underlying cause or risk factor. In most cases, severe pneumococcal bloodstream infections happen in people who have a known reason for being vulnerable, such as a weakened immune system, a missing or non-functioning spleen, or certain chronic illnesses. When no such cause could be found, the infection was historically labeled 'idiopathic.' Over time, advances in immunology and genetics have revealed that many of these cases are actually linked to subtle immune deficiencies or genetic variants that were previously undetectable. As a result, this diagnostic category has been retired and replaced by more precise diagnoses. If you or a loved one received this label, a specialist in immunology or infectious disease can help identify the true underlying cause and guide appropriate care.
Key symptoms:
High fever and chillsRapid or difficult breathingSevere headacheStiff neckConfusion or altered mental stateExtreme fatigue and weaknessLow blood pressure or signs of shockSkin rash or discoloration in severe casesNausea and vomiting
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
1 availableLantidra
indicated for the treatment of adults with Type 1 diabetes who are unable to approach target HbA1c because of current repeated episodes of severe hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management and…
indicated for the treatment of adults with Type 1 diabetes who are unable to approach target HbA1c because of current repeated episodes of severe hypoglycemia despite intensive diabetes management and education
Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Since this diagnosis is now considered obsolete, what is the current best explanation for why this infection happened?,Should I be tested for an underlying immune deficiency or genetic condition?,What vaccinations do I need to reduce my risk of future pneumococcal infections?,Do I need long-term preventive antibiotics or other ongoing treatment?,Should my close family members be evaluated for a similar underlying condition?,What warning signs should prompt me to go to the emergency room immediately?,Which specialist should be leading my long-term care going forward?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia
What is OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia?
This entry in the Orphanet rare disease database is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning it is no longer used as an active disease classification. It was previously listed under the name 'Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia,' which refers to a serious bloodstream infection caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae (also called pneumococcus) that occurs without a clearly identified underlying cause or risk factor. In most cases, severe pneumococcal bloodstream infections happen in people who have a known reason for being vulnerable, such as a weakened immune system, a missing or non-functioning sp
What treatment and support options exist for OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia?
1 patient support program are currently tracked on UniteRare for OBSOLETE: Idiopathic severe pneumococcemia. See the treatments and support programs sections for copay assistance, eligibility, and contact details.