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Bacterial Infection

The leading cause of pneumonia in adults is by infection with Streptococcus pneumonia, also
referred to as pneumococcus. Steptococcus pneumonia is a gram-positive bacteria that is a
member of the Streptococcus family.

In healthy individuals, S. pneumonia normally resides in the throat and nasal cavity and does not
cause disease. However, the bacterium can spread to the lungs and cause infection in people who
have suppressed or under-developed immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, or people who
are suffering from a chronic disease, have experienced a recent cold or flu infection, or who have
recently undergone chemotherapy. S. pneumonia infection of the lungs causes fever, cough,
difficult or painful breathing, and mental disorientation or delirium.

This bacterium can also infect other regions of the body and cause meningitis, ear/sinus
infections, and bacteremia (bacterial blood infection).

A vaccine is available to protect people against S. pneumonia infection, and it is strongly


recommended for patients belonging to high-risk groups.

Atypical pneumonia, also called walking pneumonia, is a more mild form of pneumonia that is
caused by infection with other forms of bacteria including Legionella pneumophila, Mycoplasma
pneumoia, and Chlamydophila pneumonia.

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Patients with atypical pneumonia typically experience more mild symptoms, hence the name
“walking pneumonia”, that can include chills, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain while
coughing, or mild fever.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is typically found in younger adults (under age 40), and although
symptoms are typically mild, they can include sore throat, ear pain, and rash (in addition to
coughing, chills, and fever).

Patients infected with Legionella pneumophila, known as Legionnaire disease, are typically older
(over age 50) and may be smokers or have weakened immune systems. In addition to the
traditional symptoms, patients with Legionnaire disease may also experience headaches and
muscle aches. If left untreated, Legionnaire disease can be life-threatening. Bacterial pneumonia
is generally treated with antibiotics.

Viruses and Other Causes


Viruses are the most common cause of pneumonia in children. Common cold viruses, influenza
virus, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus all result in upper respiratory infections that can
spread to the lungs and cause pneumonia.

Generally, viral pneumonia is less severe and shorter in duration than bacterial pneumonia.
However, some forms of viral pneumonia, especially that caused by influenza, can become quite
severe, especially in pregnant women or in patients who have pre-existing heart or lung disease.
Symptoms of viral pneumonia include cough, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and flu-like
symptoms.

Viral pneumonia is often complicated by a subsequent infection with bacterial pneumonia. Viral
pneumonia is not treated with antibiotics unless a bacterial infection is also present.

Fungi can also cause pneumonia. Air-borne fungal spores can be inhaled, causing them to lodge
deep in the lungs and trigger an immune response, creating an infection.

Fungal spores can also be found in soil or animal droppings. Fungal pneumonia is most common
in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV infection, or those patients with a
weaken immune system due to chronic disease. Patients with fungal pneumonia can be treated
with anti-fungal agents.

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