Lower respiratory tract infections Flashcards
what is the most common cause of CAP?
S.pneumoniae
organisms are of importance as a cause of very severe CAP?
- staph aureus
- legionella
what is sputum>
Exudate from the lungs expelled through the mouth
what can’t be grown from sputum?
- viruses
- mycoplasma-chlamydia
what are risk factors for HAP?
elderly, post surgical, ventilated, decreased consciousness
what should you consider when prescribing antibiotics for HAP?
- need to cover gram negatives
- oral Co-amoxiclav/ IV penicillin and gent
what bacteria do COPD patients often have colonising them chronically?
- pneumococcas
- H.influenzae
- Moraxella catharrlis
what is H.influenzae need to grow?
It’s fastidious so needs
- X factor (haemin)
- V factor (NAD)
what is the appearance of H.influenzae?
A small weedy gram negative rod
what is the smell of H.influenzae sputum?
Wet semen/ wet handkerchiefs
what diseases do non capsulate strains of H.influenzae cause?
Bronchitis
EOCOPD
otitis media
Low virulence and opportunistic
what diseases do capsulated strains of H.influenzae cause?
Mainly in children ie meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis
High virulence and vaccine preventable
what is the appearance of Moraxella?
Gram negative paired coccus
where does legionella live?
In water and outbreaks are associated with cooling towers, hotel showers etc
what is the treatment for legionella?
- clarithromycin
