[Past and present of pneumonia]
1Clinica Medica Generale, Dipartimento Medico Chirurgico di Internistica Clinica e Sperimentale F. Magrassi A. Lanzara, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli. paolo.altucci@unina2.it
Abstract:
A comparison is made between the most common types of pneumonias usually observed when Vincenzo Cuomo was active and those of the present day. Socially-transmitted pneumonias are contrasted with hospital-acquired pneumonias, mostly due to Gram negative bacteria, often multiresistant to antibiotics. Additional pneumonias are due to mycoplasmas, rickettsiae and Legionella and also to viruses, such as Cytomegalovirus, for example.
Insights
Pneumonia has evolved, with a shift from socially-transmitted infections to more complex hospital-acquired types. Modern pneumonias frequently involve multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and atypical pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Context:
- Historical comparison of pneumonia prevalent during Vincenzo Cuomo's active period versus contemporary cases.
- Distinction between community-acquired (socially-transmitted) and hospital-acquired pneumonias.
- Emergence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria as a significant cause of nosocomial pneumonia.
Purpose:
- To compare the epidemiological characteristics and causative agents of pneumonia across different time periods.
- To highlight the changing landscape of pneumonia etiology, including the rise of antibiotic resistance.
- To identify emerging and persistent pathogens responsible for pneumonia.
Summary:
- Community-acquired pneumonias are contrasted with hospital-acquired infections, which are increasingly caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.
- Pneumonias caused by atypical pathogens such as mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, and Legionella are discussed.
- Viral etiologies, including Cytomegalovirus, are also considered as significant contributors to pneumonia.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the evolving nature of pneumonia, crucial for public health strategies.
- Informs clinical practice regarding diagnosis and treatment of contemporary pneumonia cases.
- Highlights the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance in managing respiratory infections.
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