Infections Flashcards
What is pneumonia?
Infection of the alveoli and distal airways by pathogenic organisms (bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic)
Pneumonia can be caused by various types of organisms, leading to different clinical presentations.
What are typical organisms that cause pneumonia?
- Streptococcus Pneumoniae
- Haemophilus Influenzae
These organisms are commonly associated with typical pneumonia presentations.
What are atypical organisms that can cause pneumonia?
- Legionella spp.
- Mycoplasma Pneumoniae
- Chlamydia Pneumoniae
Atypical pneumonia often presents differently than typical pneumonia.
Which organisms are associated with abnormal lungs in pneumonia cases?
- Moraxella Catarrhalis
- Staphylococcus Aureus
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
These pathogens are often found in patients with underlying lung conditions.
What are the common organisms involved in aspiration pneumonia?
- Oral anaerobes
- Enteric GNB (Klebsiella Pneumoniae, Escherichia Coli)
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquid, or vomit is inhaled into the lungs.
What are the key organisms in hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?
- Staphylococcus Aureus
- Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
- Enteric GNB
HAP is typically more severe and associated with resistant organisms.
Name some fungal organisms that can cause pneumonia.
- Aspergillus spp.
- Cryptococcus spp.
- Pneumocystis Jirovecii
- Histoplasmosis
Fungal pneumonia is often seen in immunocompromised patients.
What are some zoonotic infections that can lead to pneumonia?
- Psittacosis (Chlamydia Psittaci)
- Q Fever (Coxiella Burnetti)
- Tularaemia (F. Tulrensis)
These infections are transmitted from animals to humans.
Which disease is associated with travel and can cause pneumonia?
Melioidosis (Burkholderia Pseudomallei)
This organism is found in specific regions and can lead to severe illness.
What diagnostic tools are used for pneumonia?
- CXR
- WCC, CRP
- Lactate, UEC, LFT
- Respiratory Viral Swabs
- Sputum MCS, Pneumococcal & Legionella urinary antigens, Blood cultures
These tests help determine the presence and type of pneumonia.
What is the management for mild community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
- Amoxicillin 1 g TDS
- Doxycycline 100 mg BD (or both)
Treatment is usually empirical based on local guidelines.
What is the treatment for moderate community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
- Benzylpenicillin 1.2 g QID
- Doxycycline 100 mg BD
Adjustments may be made based on patient response.
What is the recommended treatment for severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)?
- Ceftriaxone 1-2 g Daily
- Azithromycin 500 mg Daily
Severe cases may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
What is the treatment for high dependency instability in pneumonia?
- Tazocin 4.5 g TDS or QID
- Azithromycin 500 mg Daily
High dependency patients may need more aggressive treatment.
What should be considered for aspiration pneumonia treatment?
- Ceftriaxone 1 g Daily (consider anaerobic cover if not responding)
Coverage for anaerobes is critical in aspiration pneumonia.
What is the treatment for hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP)?
- Ceftriaxone 1 g Daily (unless suspecting Pseudomonas, MRSA)
Treatment may vary based on local resistance patterns.
What is the management for anaerobic pneumonia?
- Add Metronidazole 400 mg BD or swap to Tazocin 4.5 g TDS
Anaerobic coverage is essential in certain pneumonia cases.
What are some complications of pneumonia?
- Pulmonary Abscess
- Necrotising Pneumonia
- Parapneumonic effusion
- Empyema
These complications can significantly worsen patient outcomes.
