Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Clinical Characteristics and Microorganisms Isolated in Community-Acquired Pneumonia in the COVID-19 Period
Meritxell Gavalda1, Maria Isabel Fullana1, Adrià Ferre1
1Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, Illes Balears, Palma, Spain.
Introduction:
Community-acquired pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and hospital admissions. The aetiology remains unknown in 30-65% of the cases. Molecular tests are available for multiple pathogen detection and are under research to improve the causal diagnosis.
Methods:
We carried out a prospective study to describe the clinical characteristics and aetiology of community-acquired pneumonia during the COVID-19 pandemic and to assess the diagnostic effectivity of the microbiological tests, including a molecular test of respiratory pathogens (FilmArray™ bioMérieux).
Results:
From the 1st of February 2021 until the 31st of March 2022, 225 patients were included. Failure in microorganism identification occurred in approximately 70% of patients. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common isolate. There were 5 cases of viral pneumonia. The tested FilmArray exhibited a low positivity rate of 7% and mainly aided in the diagnosis of viral coinfections.
Conclusions:
Despite our extensive diagnostic protocol, there is still a low rate of microorganism identification. We have observed a reduction in influenza and other viral pneumoniae during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a high NEWS2 score on arrival at the emergency department, an active oncohematological disease or chronic neurological conditions and a positive microbiological test result were related to worse outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the role of molecular tests in the microbiological diagnosis of pneumonia.
Insights
Despite extensive testing, identifying the cause of community-acquired pneumonia remains challenging. Molecular tests showed limited utility, aiding mainly in viral coinfection diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a significant cause of mortality and hospitalization.
- The etiology of CAP is often unidentified, highlighting the need for improved diagnostic methods.
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the epidemiology of respiratory infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics and etiology of CAP during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness of microbiological tests, including a molecular assay.
- To identify factors associated with worse outcomes in CAP patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study conducted from February 2021 to March 2022.
- Inclusion of 225 patients diagnosed with CAP.
- Utilized a molecular respiratory pathogen panel (FilmArray™ bioMérieux) alongside other microbiological tests.
Main Results:
- Microorganism identification failed in approximately 70% of cases.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently identified pathogen.
- The FilmArray assay had a low positivity rate (7%) but detected viral coinfections.
Conclusions:
- A low rate of pathogen identification persists despite comprehensive diagnostics.
- A decrease in influenza and other viral pneumonias was observed during the pandemic.
- High NEWS2 score, oncohematological/neurological conditions, and positive tests correlated with poorer outcomes.
More Related Videos
08:05Lung CT Segmentation to Identify Consolidations and Ground Glass Areas for Quantitative Assesment of SARS-CoV Pneumonia
Published on: December 19, 2020
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022
Related Concept Videos
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 III: Complications and Assessment
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
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: