Study of pathogenicity, mode of transmission and control measures
of Pneumonia
Introduction
Pneumonia is a common lung infection characterised by collection
of pus and other fluids in the lung air sacs (alveoli). This makes
breathing difficult. Pneumonia can be caused by many kinds of
microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. When an
infected individual coughs or sneezes, these organisms get into the air
and breathing in of this air leads to contraction of the illness. It is thus a
communicable (air borne) disease.
Pneumonia can be caused by -
1. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
2. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
3. Respiratory syncytial virus
4. Pneumocystis jiroveci (In infants infected with HIV)
Pathogenicty
1. Pneumonia indicates an inflammatory process of the lung alveoli.
2. Once microorganisms reach the alveolar space, the alveolar
macrophage phagocytizes and kills the microorganisms that reach
the alveolar space.
3. If the alveolar macrophage is unable to control the growth of the
microorganisms, then the lungs develop a local inflammatory
response. This local inflammatory response is characterized by
movement of white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes from
the capillaries into the alveolar space.
of Pneumonia
Introduction
Pneumonia is a common lung infection characterised by collection
of pus and other fluids in the lung air sacs (alveoli). This makes
breathing difficult. Pneumonia can be caused by many kinds of
microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. When an
infected individual coughs or sneezes, these organisms get into the air
and breathing in of this air leads to contraction of the illness. It is thus a
communicable (air borne) disease.
Pneumonia can be caused by -
1. Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria
2. Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria
3. Respiratory syncytial virus
4. Pneumocystis jiroveci (In infants infected with HIV)
Pathogenicty
1. Pneumonia indicates an inflammatory process of the lung alveoli.
2. Once microorganisms reach the alveolar space, the alveolar
macrophage phagocytizes and kills the microorganisms that reach
the alveolar space.
3. If the alveolar macrophage is unable to control the growth of the
microorganisms, then the lungs develop a local inflammatory
response. This local inflammatory response is characterized by
movement of white blood cells, lymphocytes and monocytes from
the capillaries into the alveolar space.
