Atypical pneumonia Legionella, C. burnetii Flashcards
What are the characteristics of typical bacterial pneumonia?
Typical bacterial pneumonia presents with severe, acute infection, can be cultured and detected on Gram stain, and responds to cell-wall active antibiotics.
What are the characteristics of atypical pneumonia?
Atypical pneumonia usually presents sub-acutely, is not detectable on Gram stain, cannot be cultured using standard methods, appears different on a chest X-ray, and responds to different antibiotics.
What are the common symptoms of atypical pneumonia?
Atypical pneumonia includes headache, low-grade fever, cough, and malaise, with constitutional symptoms often predominating over respiratory findings.
What are mycoplasmas?
Mycoplasmas are the smallest organisms that can be free living in nature, lack a rigid cell wall, and are resistant to penicillin but inhibited by tetracycline or erythromycin.
What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae known for?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae is the most common cause of primary atypical pneumonia, with the highest incidence in older children and young adults (5-20 years).
How is the diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia primarily made?
The diagnosis is largely made by clinical recognition of the syndrome.
What specimens are used for diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Specimens include sputum and respiratory secretions.
What diagnostic tests are used for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
- Microscopic examination is not useful for mycoplasmas.
- Culture is highly specialized and not typically done.
- Serology and molecular assays like EIA and PCR are diagnostic.
What is the treatment for Mycoplasma pneumoniae?
Treatment includes tetracyclines, macrolides, or fluoroquinolones.
What are chlamydiae?
Chlamydiae are Gram-negative bacteria that lack mechanisms for producing metabolic energy and are obligate intracellular pathogens.
What are the three species of chlamydiae that infect humans?
The three species are Chlamydia trachomatis, Chlamydia pneumoniae, and Chlamydia psittaci.
What is the epidemiology of Chlamydia pneumoniae?
Infection with C. pneumoniae is common, with 30-50% of people worldwide having antibodies, and transmission is presumed to be airborne.
What are the clinical findings associated with Chlamydia pneumoniae?
Common findings include pharyngitis, sinusitis, otitis media, and atypical pneumonia similar to that caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
What is the most sensitive method for diagnosing C. pneumoniae infection?
The Indirect Immunofluorescence antibody technique is the most sensitive method for diagnosis.
What is the treatment for Chlamydia pneumoniae?
Treatment includes tetracyclines, macrolides, or fluoroquinolones.
