Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Methods for Detecting Cytotoxic Amyloids Following Infection of Pulmonary Endothelial Cells by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Published on: July 12, 2018
A STUDY OF PNEUMONIA IN A RURAL AREA IN SOUTHERN ALABAMA
1The Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research, and the International Health Division of the Rockefeller Foundation, New York.
Abstract:
1. Pneumococcus Type IV of low virulence was the prevailing organism in fifty-eight cases of pneumonia studied in southern Alabama. Fixed types of pneumococci were not common. 2. Pneumoma was more prevalent in children from 5 to 15 years of age than in adults. As a rule, the disease ran a mild course. 3. Most of the cases of pneumonia gave a definite history of an acute cold antedating the attack of pneumonia by a period of 5 to 8 days. Exposure alone did not seem to predispose to pneumonia, but those with an acute cold who were exposed to chilling of the body surface frequently developed pneumonia. 4. There were seven "family epidemics" of pneumonia. In each instance there was a family epidemic of colds antedating the pneumonia. The pneumococcus was found in large numbers in the nasopharynx of those suffering from colds as well as in the pneumonia patients. 5. The epidemiology of pneumonia in the pioneer days of American history has many points in common with the epidemiology of pneumonia in a rural isolated area in southern Alabama today. This suggests that the crowded conditions and frequent contacts of modern city life have built up a community resistance to avirulent strains of pneumococci.
Insights
Pneumonia in southern Alabama is often caused by low-virulence Pneumococcus Type IV, particularly affecting children aged 5-15. Colds and chilling significantly increase pneumonia risk, suggesting community resistance in urban areas.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Pneumonia remains a significant public health concern, especially in rural and isolated communities.
- Understanding the etiological agents and risk factors for pneumonia is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies.
- Previous studies on pneumonia epidemiology have focused on different populations and geographical settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevailing causative agents of pneumonia in southern Alabama.
- To identify risk factors and epidemiological patterns associated with pneumonia in a rural population.
- To compare current pneumonia epidemiology with historical data from pioneer American history.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 58 pneumonia cases in southern Alabama.
- Identification of Pneumococcus types in patients.
- Analysis of patient history, including preceding illnesses and environmental exposures.
- Comparison of findings with historical epidemiological data.
Main Results:
- Pneumococcus Type IV of low virulence was the predominant organism identified.
- Pneumonia was more prevalent in children (5-15 years) and typically presented with a mild clinical course.
- A history of acute cold preceding pneumonia by 5-8 days was common; chilling after a cold increased risk.
- Seven family epidemics of pneumonia were observed, preceded by family cold epidemics.
- Pneumococci were abundant in the nasopharynx of individuals with colds and pneumonia patients.
Conclusions:
- Low-virulence Pneumococcus Type IV is a key pathogen in this rural Alabama pneumonia cohort.
- Acute preceding colds combined with chilling are significant risk factors for developing pneumonia.
- The findings suggest that historical and modern rural pneumonia epidemiology share similarities, potentially indicating developed community resistance to avirulent pneumococci in urban settings due to increased exposure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Atypical Pneumonia
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia I: Introduction
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
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...
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
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.
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology