The CDC reports infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae account for more deaths than any other cause worldwide; and are the leading global cause of pneumonia mortality. S pneumoniae is also the most common cause of bacteremia, bacterial meningitis, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and otitis media; and is an important cause of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, septic arthritis, and sinusitis. The type of strep and duration of acute infection may determine the organs most vulnerable to attack, such as the heart, kidney and/or skin. S pneumonia treatment in the acute phase, may prevent development of endocarditis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, septic arthritis, and sinusitis; and other chronic diseases which originate from streptococcus infections.

Some types of pathogens can remain in the body, spread, damage targeted organs, and evolve into chronic diseases; suggesting treatment of streptococcus, intracellular infections, and parasites in the acute phase could aid in prevention, mitigation, and/or delay of the development of more serious chronic diseases.