Schematic Diagram of Pneumonia

Alteration in net bacterial lung resistance caused by either: Decreased bactericidal ability of the alveolar macrophages Extreme virulence of the bacteria Increased susceptibility of host to infection

Acute inflammation occurs that causes excess water and plasma proteins go to the dependent areas of the lower lobes

RBCs, fibrin, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltrate the alveoli

Containment of the bacteria within the segments of pulmonary lobes by cellular recruitment

Consolidation of leukocytes and fibrin within the affected area

Stage of congestion: Engorgement of alveolar spaces with fluid and hemorrhagic exudates

Proliferation and rapid spread of organism through the lobe

Stage of red hepatization: Coagulation of exudates occurs resulting to the red appearance of the affected lung

Stage of gray hepatization: The decrease in number of RBC in the exudates is replaced by neutrophils; which infiltrate the alveoli making the lung tissue to be solid and grayish in color.

PNEUMONIA