Optochin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity at the extremes of age. With increasing antibiotic resistance, its accurate early identification is important for initial management [1]. Its identification in clinical laboratories relies on colony morphology, α-haemolysis on blood agar, and optochin susceptibility. The bile solubility test, although simple, is not widely used [1]. Other methods used include molecular assays and species-specific capsular antigen detection.