Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 18, 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

Unusual bacterial infections and the pleura

Carlos E Kummerfeldt1, John T Huggins, Steven A Sahn

  • 1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Medical University of South Carolina, USA.

The Open Respiratory Medicine Journal
|September 15, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Bacterial infections like rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia, and anthrax can cause unexplained pleural effusions. Prompt diagnosis and consideration of these pathogens are crucial for effective patient management.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Pleural effusions can stem from various causes, including infectious agents.
  • Specific bacterial pathogens are implicated in pleural disease, necessitating clinical awareness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the presentation of pleural effusions caused by four specific bacterial infections: rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia, and anthrax.
  • To highlight the importance of considering these bacterial causes in unexplained pleural effusions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of documented cases of pleural involvement in rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia, and anthrax.
  • Analysis of pleural fluid characteristics (e.g., cell predominance, fluid type) in reported cases.

Main Results:

  • Rickettsiosis (RMSF, MSF) can present with neutrophil-predominant exudates.
  • Q fever may manifest as exudative with eosinophilia or transudative due to complications.
  • Tularemia typically shows lymphocyte-predominant exudates.
  • Inhalational anthrax can lead to serosanguineous exudative pleural effusions.

Conclusions:

  • Rickettsiosis, Q fever, tularemia, and anthrax are important differential diagnoses for unexplained pleural effusions.
  • Clinical history and risk factor assessment are vital for suspecting these bacterial etiologies.
  • Understanding the pleural fluid characteristics associated with each disease aids in diagnosis.
Keywords:
Q feverRickettsiaanthraxpleural disease.tularemia

More Related Videos

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice15:43

Long Term Chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa Airway Infection in Mice

Published on: March 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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 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:
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
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...
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description01:30

Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description

The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are: