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Questions and Answers
What is the leading infectious cause of death globally among children younger than 5 years old?
What is the leading infectious cause of death globally among children younger than 5 years old?
More than 99% of pneumonia deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
More than 99% of pneumonia deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
True
What effect has the development of vaccines had on pneumonia mortality in developed countries?
What effect has the development of vaccines had on pneumonia mortality in developed countries?
Mortality declined by 97% between 1939 and 1996.
Name the most common bacterial pathogen causing pneumonia in children aged 3 weeks to 4 years.
Name the most common bacterial pathogen causing pneumonia in children aged 3 weeks to 4 years.
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Which pathogens are most commonly identified in lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 5 years?
Which pathogens are most commonly identified in lower respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 5 years?
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The major causes of hospitalization and death from bacterial pneumonia among children in developing countries include S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae, and _____
The major causes of hospitalization and death from bacterial pneumonia among children in developing countries include S.pneumoniae, H.influenzae, and _____
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What are the common noninfectious causes of pneumonia?
What are the common noninfectious causes of pneumonia?
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The lower respiratory tract is believed to be sterile in the absence of infection.
The lower respiratory tract is believed to be sterile in the absence of infection.
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Study Notes
Pneumonia Overview
- Inflammation of lung parenchyma caused by infectious agents.
- Leading infectious cause of death globally in children under 5 years.
- Over 99% of pneumonia-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Significant 97% decline in mortality in developed countries (e.g., USA) from 1939 to 1996 due to vaccines and antibiotics.
Etiology of Pneumonia
- Microorganisms are primary causes; however, noninfectious factors can also contribute.
- Noninfectious causes include:
- Aspiration of food, gastric acid, foreign bodies, hydrocarbons, and lipoid substances (common in practice).
- Hypersensitivity reactions.
- Drug- or radiation-induced pneumonitis (e.g., Bleomycin).
- Determining the specific cause in patients can be challenging without invasive procedures.
- Bacterial cultures of sputum or upper respiratory samples often do not accurately diagnose lower respiratory infections.
Common Etiologic Agents
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus): Most common bacterial pathogen in children aged 3 weeks to 4 years.
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae: Frequent pathogen in older children.
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae: Notable in children aged 5 and older.
- Staphylococcus aureus: Often complicates pneumonia linked to influenza.
Pediatric Considerations
- Major bacterial pathogens for hospitalization and pneumonia deaths in developing countries: S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. aureus.
- In HIV-infected children, consider M. tuberculosis, non-TB mycobacteria, Salmonella, E. coli, P. jiroveci, and CMV.
- Viral pathogens are prevalent in infants and children aged 1 month to 5 years.
- Common viral pathogens: Respiratory syncytial virus and rhinoviruses, especially in children under 2 years.
Pathogenesis
- Lower respiratory tract defenses include:
- Mucociliary clearance.
- Macrophages and secretory immunoglobulin A.
- Coughing to clear airways.
- The lower respiratory tract may contain diverse microbial communities, contradicting previous beliefs of sterility.
- Pneumonia may stem from disruptions in a complex ecosystem involving:
- Potential pneumonia pathogens.
- Resident microbial communities.
- Host immune defenses.
- Inhalation of contaminated air or droplets containing pathogens leads to infection and inflammatory response.
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Description
This quiz covers essential information about pneumonia, including its definition, causes, and impact on global health, especially among children. It highlights the disparities in pneumonia mortality rates between low- and middle-income countries and developed nations. Test your knowledge on this critical health issue.
