Related Experiment Videos
Pneumonias in adults due to mycoplasma, chlamydiae, and viruses
Abstract:
Pneumonias in adults due to mycoplasma, chlamydiae, and viruses are a common clinical problem. These microorganisms contribute to the etiologies in 6-35% of all cases of pneumonia and are the sole pathogens in 1-17% of hospitalized cases. Important trends and developments in the field include the emergence of a Chlamydia psittaci strain (TWAR) that is passaged from human to human, causes a mycoplasma-like illness, and that is relatively resistant to erythromycin, the recognition of respiratory syncytial virus as a pathogen in nursing home outbreaks and in immunosuppressed adults, the continuing high lethality of fully developed influenza pneumonia, the efficacy of acyclovir and adenine arabinoside in limiting the complications of varicella-zoster virus infections, and the increasing frequency of pneumonia caused by cytomegalovirus and the severity of this disorder in highly immunosuppressed patients. Developments in the rapid diagnosis and therapy of respiratory syncytial virus infections with an aerosolized antiviral drug in children may pave the way for comparable advances in difficult pneumonias in adult patients.
Insights
Pneumonias caused by atypical pathogens like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia are common in adults. Emerging strains and viral infections present challenges, necessitating advancements in diagnosis and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Atypical pathogens, including Mycoplasma, Chlamydiae, and viruses, are significant causes of community-acquired and hospital-acquired pneumonias in adults.
- These agents account for a substantial percentage of pneumonia cases, ranging from 6-35% overall and 1-17% in hospitalized patients.
Observation:
- Emergence of Chlamydia psittaci strain TWAR, transmissible between humans and resistant to erythromycin.
- Respiratory syncytial virus identified as a pathogen in nursing home outbreaks and in immunocompromised adults.
- Influenza pneumonia remains highly lethal; varicella-zoster virus complications can be managed with antivirals.
- Increasing incidence and severity of cytomegalovirus pneumonia in severely immunocompromised individuals.
Findings:
- Atypical pathogens and specific viral agents represent a significant and evolving challenge in adult pneumonia.
- Certain emerging strains and opportunistic infections pose unique diagnostic and therapeutic hurdles.
- Advances in pediatric respiratory syncytial virus management may offer models for adult pneumonia treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for updated diagnostic strategies and antimicrobial stewardship for atypical pneumonias.
- Underscores the importance of recognizing viral etiologies and opportunistic infections in pneumonia patients.
- Suggests potential for novel antiviral therapies and diagnostic tools to improve outcomes in severe adult pneumonias.