Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
06:04
Antigen-Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Specific Detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Published on: February 24, 2023
Acute melioid community-acquired pneumonia
Chia-Te Kung1, Chao-Jui Li, Shin-Chiang Hung
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Summary
Patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) presenting to the emergency department (ED) during the rainy season, with poor glycemic control (≥250mg/dl), or in shock, face higher risks of melioidosis. Early antibiotics covering Burkholderia pseudomallei are crucial in endemic areas.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Melioidosis, caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, is an emerging cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), particularly in tropical regions.
- Understanding the distinct clinical characteristics and risk factors of melioid CAP is essential for early diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the patient characteristics and identify risk factors associated with acute melioid CAP upon emergency department (ED) arrival.
- To differentiate these factors from those observed in severe CAP of non-melioid etiology.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case-control study was conducted.
- 15 patients with acute melioid CAP were compared to 60 patients with severe CAP from other causes.
Main Results:
- Acute melioid CAP patients were more likely to present during the rainy season, exhibit shock, have diabetes with poor glycemic control (≥250mg/dl), show cavities on chest X-ray, and have poorer outcomes.
- Independent risk factors for melioid CAP included poor glycemic control (OR 38.3), rainy season ED visits (OR 13.7), and shock on arrival (OR 18.7).
Conclusions:
- Physicians in endemic areas should consider Burkholderia pseudomallei in CAP patients presenting with specific risk factors.
- Empirical antimicrobial therapy covering B. pseudomallei is recommended for patients with CAP who visit the ED during the rainy season, have poor glycemic control, or present in shock.
- Timely and appropriate antibiotic administration can potentially lower mortality rates associated with melioid CAP.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Atypical 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...
01:29Pneumonia 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...
01:30Pneumonia 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...
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 III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
01:28Pneumonia 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:
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: