Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 21, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Severe community-acquired pneumonia: assessment of microbial aetiology as mortality factor

F Paganin1, F Lilienthal, A Bourdin

  • 1Service de Pneumologie et Maladies Infectieuses, Centre Hospitalier Departmental Félix Guyon, GHSR, BP 350, St Pierre, Réunion, France. f.paganin@wanadoo.fr

The European Respiratory Journal
|November 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant mortality risk factor in severe community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Identifying microbial causes is crucial for predicting outcomes in CAP patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of death.
  • Microbial etiology is often unidentified as a mortality risk factor in CAP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess prognostic factors in severe CAP patients admitted to the ICU.
  • To emphasize the role of microbial etiology in CAP mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 112 immunocompetent CAP patients in the ICU.
  • Collected data on severity, including Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) and mechanical ventilation.
  • Conducted extensive microbiological investigations, including blood cultures.

Main Results:

  • High mortality rate (43%) with frequent shock (48%) and mechanical ventilation (82%).
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae identified as a significant mortality factor, alongside septic shock, SAPS, and positive blood cultures.
  • Multivariate analysis confirmed K. pneumoniae CAP as an independent risk factor for death (RR 27).

Conclusions:

  • Microbial etiology, specifically Klebsiella pneumoniae, is an independent risk factor for mortality in severe CAP.
  • Septic shock, SAPS, and positive blood cultures are also key independent predictors of death.
  • Identifying the causative agent is vital for managing severe CAP.

More Related Videos

Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa07:27

Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Published on: July 12, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention01:30

Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention

Nursing management of pneumonia involves promoting airway patency, facilitating rest and conserving energy, encouraging fluid intake, maintaining nutrition, and educating patients.
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed.