Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
12:21

A 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

Host Variation in Pneumonia Susceptibility

Nathan R Box1, Jezreel Pantaleón García2, Scott E Evans2

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Clinics in Chest Medicine
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Infectious pneumonias cause millions of deaths globally. Understanding how altered host defenses impact pneumonia development is crucial for improving patient survival and treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Infectious pneumonias represent a significant global health burden with high mortality rates.
  • The outcome of lower respiratory tract pathogen exposure depends on host-microbe interactions.
  • Variations in host immune responses critically influence pneumonia pathogenesis and severity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review common conditions that compromise host defenses.
  • To highlight factors predisposing individuals to pneumonia development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of conditions affecting host defenses against pneumonia.
  • Synthesis of information on immune response variations and their impact.

Main Results:

  • Identified key conditions that alter host defenses, increasing pneumonia risk.
  • Emphasized the role of immune response modulation in disease progression.

Conclusions:

  • Altered host defenses are a primary factor in pneumonia susceptibility.
  • Further research into host-pathogen interactions can guide therapeutic interventions.
Keywords:
Biological therapiesHematologic malignancyHost variationHuman immunodeficiency virusImmunocompromised hostNeutropeniaPneumoniaTransplant

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae09:12

Characterization of Inflammatory Responses During Intranasal Colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae

Published on: January 17, 2014

Related Concept Videos

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...
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 II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
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: