What pathogenic microorganisms cause pneumonia? How does bacterial pneumonia manifest and how to cure it Bacterial pneumonia

There are three pathogens that cause most forms of infection: bacteria, viruses and fungi. But bacterial pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia among adults and the third most common cause of hospitalization. What is bacterial pneumonia?

In general, bacterial pneumonia is an infection of one or both lungs that is caused by a bacteria. Different types of bacteria are responsible for this disease. In most cases, bacteria enter the lungs during inhalation, but they can also enter through the blood if other parts of the body are infected. The illness ranges from moderate to severe and if pneumonia is not treated, it can lead to breathing problems or death.

What causes bacterial pneumonia and risk factors?

The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in adults is a bacteria known as Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Pneumococcal pneumonia is responsible for about 90,000 hospitalizations per year in Russia, but a person can have pneumococcal infection without having pneumonia. For example, pneumococcal disease causes more than 1.5 million ear infections in children annually.

Risk factors for pneumonia include:

• Having lung diseases such as asthma or
• Presence of systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus
• Weakened immune system
• Age, either very young or very old
• Alcohol abuse
• Smoking

How to recognize bacterial pneumonia

First of all, pay attention to the phlegm. Most bacteria that cause pneumonia are pyogenic bacteria, which means they increase mucus production. A cough accompanied by discolored mucus is a classic sign of bacterial pneumonia. Other symptoms of pneumonia that may occur include:

• Heat
• Chills
• Rapid breathing
• Pain when coughing or deep breathing
• Dyspnea
• Exhaustion
• Loss of appetite

Bacterial pneumonias tend to be more severe and have more noticeable symptoms than other types of pneumonia. Pneumonia, caused by viruses, which are also common, has symptoms that are similar to the flu, such as sore throat, headache, fever and dry cough.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by tiny microbes that are closely related to bacteria. This type of pneumonia is often referred to as “walking pneumonia” and is usually less serious than bacterial pneumonia and rarely requires hospital treatment, with symptoms similar to influenza-like pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumonia occurs most often in children and young adults.

Preventing bacterial pneumonia

Vaccination is the best way to prevent bacterial pneumonia. Vaccinations are recommended for all children, adults over 65, and people with risk factors for pneumonia. Since 1997, pneumococcal vaccination has reduced pneumococcal infections in children by 74 percent and by 34 percent in adults over 65 years of age.

Getting an annual flu shot is also an important part of preventing pneumonia. One study found a strong association between influenza illness and pneumococcal pneumonia. Scientists have determined that the risk of developing pneumococcal pneumonia is 100 times higher when a person has the flu.

In addition to getting vaccinated, you can help yourself prevent bacterial pneumonia and other causes of pneumonia. Follow these steps to prevent pneumonia:

• Work with your doctor to manage all your risk factors
• Wash your hands often
• Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep

Improve your overall health, and add some basic healthy lifestyle skills to your daily routine, and you will significantly reduce your risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.

Pneumonia is an infectious disease of the lower respiratory system, in which the pathological process affects the tissues of the lungs and pleura. What pathogen causes this disease most often? What are the main groups of pathogenic organisms that cause disease? We will answer these and other questions later in the article.

Classification of the disease

It can occur for various reasons.

Depending on the nature of origin, the following types of pneumonia are distinguished:

• Fungal;
• Bacterial;
• Viral;
• Mixed.

At the same time, symptoms, diagnostic methods and treatment will differ significantly.

The most common type of disease is. But, at the same time, it is best amenable to early diagnosis and treatment.

Fungal nature of origin

This type of pneumonia has a mild clinical picture, especially in the initial stages of the disease. It is caused by uncontrolled reproduction and activity of fungi. The first place in this list is occupied by the pathogen Candida albicans, but there is a risk of pneumonia also under the influence of other types of fungi, although the proportion of such varieties of the disease< 3%.

Regardless of the type of pathogen, the symptoms of the disease will be approximately the same:

• increase in general body temperature (more than 37.8 0 C);
• dyspnea;
• cough with purulent discharge.

Pneumonia pathogens (fungal colonies) contribute to the formation of abscesses and filling of the alveoli with fluid. If treatment is incorrectly selected or absent, these processes can become chronic and cause a number of complications.

Often, the influence of fungi affects not only the lung tissue, but also the pleura, causing pleurisy. This type of pneumonia is diagnosed by assessing a chest x-ray, blood test, and sputum culture for cell culture.

Traditional treatment with antibacterial drugs in the case of a fungal origin is impractical and even dangerous. This is due to the fact that antibiotics destroy not only pathogenic bacteria, but also “friendly”, beneficial microorganisms that inhibit the growth of fungi. Therefore, fungal pneumonia is treated with antifungal drugs in combination with auxiliary therapy (vitamins, expectorants and mucolytic drugs).

Bacterial nature of occurrence

Among the causative agents of pneumonia, bacteria are in first place. So, the most common bacterial microorganisms that cause this disease are:

Bacterial pneumonia differs from others in the abrupt onset of the disease and a rather long course.

Common symptoms of this subtype of the disease are:

But there are some differences depending on the pathogen. So, if the disease is caused by Legionella, the initial stage of the disease passes with a gradual increase in the severity of manifestations. In this case, nonspecific symptoms such as diarrhea, liver dysfunction and dizziness are quite often present. But overall forecasts remain favorable.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause irreversible consequences leading to death.

Almost all bacterial pathogens of pneumonia, except pneumococcus, contribute to the development of areas of necrosis and abscesses in the lungs.

Detection of bacterial pneumonia begins with X-ray of the lungs, clinical blood test, as well as culture and microscopy of mucous discharge. In this case, it is especially important to determine the pathogen and its resistance to drugs. Additionally, other diagnostic methods can be used - MRI, puncture of pulmonary or pleural tissue.

Antibiotics, mucolytics and expectorants are used in the treatment of bacterial pneumonia. In addition, in some cases, sanitation of the bronchi may be necessary. A distinctive feature of the treatment of this subtype of the disease is a longer course of antibacterial therapy - most often the course takes 14-21 days.

Viral nature of origin

Some viruses, once in the lower parts of the respiratory system, can cause inflammation of the tissues of the lungs and pleura. Particularly common among these pathogens are:

The difference between viral pneumonia is the gradual development and presence of ARVI symptoms. All this greatly complicates the diagnosis of the disease.

Specific symptoms of this type of pneumonia include:

Often, the manifestations of pneumonia are accompanied by additional symptoms, such as a runny nose, rash, joint pain and headache.

X-ray photographs of the lungs clearly show areas of inflamed tissue, and a clinical blood test can accurately confirm the viral nature of the origin of pneumonia.

Treatment is carried out by administering antiviral and immunostimulating drugs. In addition, you need to drink plenty of fluids and additional humidification of the surrounding air. And only with a proven mixed form of the disease (the addition of bacterial pathogens) is the prescription of antibiotics a necessary measure.

Viral pneumonia is especially common among young children and the elderly. This is explained by the peculiarity of the structure and insufficient functioning of the respiratory system, which allows the viral infection to penetrate into the lower parts of the respiratory system.

Mycoplasma is the simplest microorganism, something between a virus and a bacterium. It is capable of damaging both the cell membrane and penetrating the cell, destroying it from the inside.

has a vague beginning, very similar to a simple ARVI:

• there is a moderately elevated body temperature;
• runny nose;
• dry cough;
• apathy.

But after 4-5 days, the temperature increases sharply and remains so for quite a long time (7-10 days), the cough becomes more productive, and a small amount of sputum begins to be discharged. At the same time, it acquires a paroxysmal character, headaches and joint pains begin, and when listening to breathing, wheezing and noise are detected.

A feature of the course of mycoplasma pneumonia is the presence of a “marble” rash.

The following are mainly used for diagnosis:

Treatment is carried out by long-term use of certain groups of antibiotics. The course of treatment is 15-21 days.

Mixed form of pneumonia

A disease such as pneumonia in its “pure” form is very rare. More often it is of a mixed nature, which affects both the symptoms and the choice of treatment method.

The most common way of combining different types of pathogens is secondary infection. Thus, during the course of a viral disease, the protective functions of the bronchi and lung tissues weaken, which allows additional bacterial infections to develop unhindered. As a result of this process, viral-bacterial pneumonia occurs.

Also, a bacterial infection can occur against the background of mycoplasmosis or fungal tissue infection. In any case, the inflammatory process caused by one of the pathogens creates favorable conditions for the occurrence of a mixed form of the disease.

Pneumonia is one of the most dangerous respiratory diseases.

The risk of severe complications, including death, directly depends on the correctness and timeliness of identifying the pathogen and starting drug therapy.

Bacterial pneumonia is an acute infectious and inflammatory process in the lung tissue, which is caused by pathogenic microbial flora. Characterized by the development of intoxication and febrile syndromes, respiratory failure.

Bacterial pneumonia occurs due to damage to the lungs by gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. The community-acquired form of bacterial pneumonia is most often caused by Haemophilus influenzae and pneumococci. Nosocomial bacterial pneumonia is usually caused by multidrug-resistant (resistant) strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Friedlander's bacillus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae, anaerobes, and Haemophilus influenzae.

In other bacterial diseases (gonorrhea, anthrax, salmonellosis, typhoid fever, tularemia, whooping cough), specific microflora can serve as the causative agent of pneumonia. In immunodeficiency states, bacterial agents include pneumococci, Haemophilus influenzae, and legionella.

Microorganisms penetrate into the lung tissue by airborne droplets, direct and hematogenous routes.

Smoking, acute respiratory viral infections, alcohol consumption, overwork, frequent stress, hypovitaminosis, air pollution, old age, and decreased immune defense predispose to the development of bacterial pneumonia. The disease is also facilitated by concomitant pathology: congestive heart failure, congenital malformations of the bronchopulmonary system, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, chronic ENT infections, immunodeficiency, long-term and severe diseases, surgical interventions, prolonged immobilization.

Symptoms of bacterial pneumonia

The severity of the course and clinical manifestations of bacterial pneumonia are determined by the type of pathogen, age, health status of the patient, and the extent of the lesion.

In the typical course of bacterial pneumonia, a productive cough occurs with the release of mucopurulent or rusty sputum, sudden fever, and sometimes chest pain. The patient is worried about severe malaise, severe weakness, headache, pain in muscles and joints, shortness of breath, loss of appetite. Signs of cardiac, respiratory and renal failure may develop.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia includes:

Examination of the patient;

Laboratory tests (general blood test, urine test);

X-ray of the lungs in lateral and direct projections;

Determination of the pathogen (microscopy, culture of sputum, bronchial lavage).

Study of the gas composition of arterial blood;

Analysis of pleural effusion;

Blood culture for sterility;

Spiral computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lungs.

Types of disease

According to the clinical course, focal and lobar (lobar) bacterial pneumonia are distinguished.

Pneumonia can be unilateral or bilateral. With simultaneous damage to the pleura, pleuropneumonia develops.

Also, bacterial pneumonia can be community-acquired or hospital-acquired (nosocomial).

The course of bacterial pneumonia can be mild, moderate, severe, or protracted.

The classification of nosological forms of bacterial pneumonia is based on the types of infectious pathogens: pneumococcal, streptococcal, meningococcal, staphylococcal pneumonia, as well as pneumonia caused by Klebsiella, Haemophilus influenzae, Escherichia coli, Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.

Patient Actions

If symptoms of bacterial pneumonia appear, you should contact your family doctor.

Treatment of bacterial pneumonia

Acute respiratory failure;

Infectious-septic shock;

Empyema of the pleura;

Secondary bacteremia, focus of hematogenous dissemination, sepsis;

Pericarditis, myocarditis;

Nephritis, glomerulonephritis;

Meningitis.

Prevention of bacterial pneumonia

Treatment of chronic foci of infection;

Strengthening the immune system (use of immunomodulators of plant origin - chamomile, echinacea, eleutherococcus and others);

Avoiding hypothermia and other stress factors;

Avoiding contact with sick people.

Bacterial pneumonia is a type that has a negative effect on the lungs of the human body. This type of pneumonia is caused by bacteria; in certain cases, the disease can be caused by viruses, fungi, chemicals and other organisms. Bacterial pneumonia, the causes of which are currently one of the causes of mortality. Infectious bacteria lead to inflammation of the alveolar sacs. This leads to the appearance and accumulation of purulent formations, fluid and cellular detritus. This in turn manifests itself in the exchange of oxygen, which at this moment noticeably deteriorates, as well as carbon dioxide. Bacterial pneumonia is accompanied by chest pain and shortness of breath.

Depending on the complexity and time of the inflammatory process, this pneumonia is divided into mild form and secondary bacterial pneumonia. The course of the disease in severe form most often leads to respiratory failure and death of the patient. Such a disastrous result is also greatly influenced by the patient’s age, his state of health and level of immunity. Timely treatment of the initial stage of the disease in rare cases reaches a severe form, since a large variety of antibiotics can destroy the inflammatory process.

Bacterial pneumonia is figuratively divided into two forms of infection:

1. Community-acquired bacterial pneumonia. In this case, bacteria enter the body from the environment. This route of infection is quite common. The infection enters a healthy body through airborne droplets or through contact with an infected person. Bacteria that cause community-acquired pneumonia include:

• Pneumococcus (Streptococcus pneumoniae) is the most common pneumonia. This type of microbe is located in the nasopharynx of a healthy person. Once the level of immunity is satisfied, these bacteria pass into the lungs along with inhalation. They can also enter the bloodstream from a wound.
• Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus influenzae) lives on the epithelium of the upper respiratory system. Does not manifest itself with strong immunity and absence of infectious diseases. It ranks second among the formation of the inflammatory process of the lungs.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae - bacteria of this type are located on the skin surface, in the mouth and stomach. Able to influence people with poor immunity.
• Staphylococcus aureus (Staphylococcus aureus) - this type of infection is most often observed in drug addicts, people with long-term illnesses, and also in newborn children with a poorly developed immune system. Bacteria live on the skin, throat, and intestines. This type of bacteria is difficult to treat with antibiotics.

1. Intrahospital route of infection. Staying for a long time in institutions with people infected with this disease, without using anti-inflammatory drugs, there is a high possibility of contracting bacterial pneumonia. Pneumonia can be acquired after two weeks due to contact with germs. This type of disease occurs with severe symptoms and is poorly treatable with antibiotics. Contagiousness depends on the type of bacteria picked up. But no matter what they are, they enter the lungs in most cases through the nasal passage and throat. Many infected people do not pose any danger to the surrounding population. But inflammation of the lung caused by mycoplasma (Mycoplasma pneumoniae) or tuberculosis bacillus (Koch's bacillus) is very dangerous and contagious. These bacteria spread through droplets of saliva and phlegm.
   Bacterial pneumonia is more often observed in newborns, older people (after 55 years), people with weakened immune systems, and smokers.

Physicians usually divide pneumonia into the following groups: typical and atypical. In general, they are characterized by one symptomatology, but the conclusion depends on how pronounced it is.

Common signs of bacterial pneumonia:

1. Severe cough with mucus that is green, yellow, or bloody.
2. Painful sensations in the chest area, which can get worse when you inhale.
3. Sharp chills.
4. Increase in body temperature to 39 degrees, in some cases reaching higher values.
5. Presence of headache and muscle migraine.
6. Shortness of breath and rapid breathing.
7. Lack of appetite and general lethargy of the whole body.
8. Poor awareness (seen in older populations).
9. The skin takes on a pale tint and becomes more moist.

In young children, the process of bacterial pneumonia begins with problems of the nasal and throat tract. Bacterial pneumonia symptoms of inflammation of the lungs begin much faster than in older people. Children's symptoms include an immediate increase in body temperature, very rapid breathing, possible discomfort in the abdomen, and sometimes vomiting.

Pneumonia is a complication of the flu or cold. Bacterial pneumonia, in turn, can lead to various complex damages:

• sepsis;
• respiratory failure;
• acute respiratory distress syndrome;
• lung abscess.

In order to make a diagnosis of pneumonia, it is worth undergoing X-ray confirmation of infiltration of the lung tissue; the patient must have at least two of the signs listed above.
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial pneumonia. The drug is prescribed depending on the patient’s age, his general health, the presence of other acute inflammatory processes, etc. During therapy, patients should consume as much fluid as possible, this will not cause dehydration of the body. It will also help a person fight bacteria. During the treatment and recovery period, patients should quit smoking and avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking only contributes to the growth of the inflammatory process. Hospitalization is carried out when the patient suffers from shortness of breath and has a low level of oxygen in the blood. There is also a special diet. The diet should include a sufficient amount of proteins, vitamins A, C, B. A more precise diet is established by the attending physician, based on the general well-being of the patient.

Preventive measures for bacterial pneumonia include the judicious use of antibiotics, annual vaccination against influenza diseases, and doctors recommend polyvalent pneumococcal vaccine for the older population. Patients need to rest longer and should not take medications not prescribed by a doctor. Healthy people, in order to avoid this type of disease, should not forget about the rules of hygiene; it is better to avoid contact with infected people or take all precautions. It is worth turning away from bad habits and leading a healthy lifestyle. Every year you need to undergo a full examination of the whole body and strengthen your body. Having a strong immune system will always protect you from any type of disease.

Bacterial pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs. Bacteria lead to inflammation of the alveolar sacs, in which pus, fluid and detritus accumulate. This greatly interferes with the proper exchange of oxygen in the body. When an infection occurs in the lungs, shortness of breath and pain occur when trying to inhale.

Community-acquired disease

Community-acquired pneumonia is when hospitalization is not required; it refers to diseases that arise as a result of bacteria entering the lungs from outside. This is the most common type of pneumonia. Infection can occur through contact with a sick person.

What bacteria cause community-acquired pneumonia?

1. Pneumococcus. It occurs most often among others. First, this microorganism settles in the nasopharynx of a healthy person. If a short-term decrease in immunity occurs, the bacteria enters the lungs along with the air and begins to multiply. It can also enter the blood through a wound, for example, through a sore tooth.
2. Haemophilus influenzae. This bacterium lives on the skin of the mouth and nose and prevents the disease from spreading until the immune system is compromised or a viral infection begins. It is in second place in terms of prevalence.
3. Klebsiella pneumonia. Locations: skin, oral cavity and digestive tract. This microorganism mainly affects people with weak immunity.
4. Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium most often affects drug addicts who use substances intravenously, as well as people with chronic diseases and children with weak immune systems. Every fourth inhabitant of our planet is a carrier of the infection. The bacterium multiplies through the throat, skin or intestines.

In about two out of every hundred carriers, the virus is resistant to methicillin. These bacteria are very difficult to cure, since they are immune to various types of medications, and you can become infected with them while in the hospital. The appearance of such a virus is due to frequent and uncontrolled use of antibiotics.

Nosocomial pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia can be nosocomial. You can get this disease while in a hospital or during outpatient treatment. This pneumonia has a severe course and very difficult treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is a provocateur, belongs to the group of Staphylococcus aureus, which are most often found in pulmonary diseases.

Whether pneumonia is contagious depends on what bacteria caused the infection. In most cases, bacteria enter the body through the nose or mouth. Almost all patients are not dangerous to others. But still, bacterial pneumonia caused by mycoplasma or tuberculosis bacillus is very contagious. These bacteria spread through the air through saliva or sputum.

The likelihood of developing bacterial pneumonia

Depending on the existing chronic diseases and other conditions, groups of people are identified who are much more susceptible to lung diseases. These include:

• newborn children;
• aged people;
• patients with impaired immunity;
• patients who have been using drugs to enhance immunity for a long time;
• patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;
• smokers;
• patients who have been using corticosteroids for a long time.

Symptoms that are important not to miss

There are some symptoms of bacterial pneumonia that require special attention. Doctors distinguish types of inflammation based on symptoms. This makes it possible to understand which bacteria is affecting the body, what the duration of the disease will be, and what treatment to use.

The most common symptoms of bacterial pneumonia are:

• Cough with mucus;
• Pain in the chest that gets worse when you cough or inhale;
• Severe chills;
• Fever and fever;
• Muscle aches;
• Shortness of breath and rapid breathing;
• Lethargy and poor appetite;
• Confused consciousness;
• Moisture and paleness of the skin.

Bacterial pneumonia in children

All existing pathogens that cause the disease can also affect children. They differ in that their infection begins with the symptoms of a common cold. But characteristic symptoms appear very quickly (literally within a few days) if the cold is not treated.

Bacterial pneumonia is characterized by a fever at the onset and unusually rapid breathing. If the inflammation begins in the lower parts of the lungs near the abdomen, then a febrile state may begin, manifested by abdominal pain and vomiting, but in this case breathing will be normal.

Some types of bacteria cause symptoms that are quite unusual, which may indicate which bacteria is affecting the child. For example, if a teenager has mycoplasma, then in addition to the main symptoms he will have a sore throat and a rash.

In infants with a disease caused by chlamydia, pneumonia is mild, but with a dangerous form of conjunctivitis.

Treatment of bacterial pneumonia

People who have been diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia must undergo antibacterial treatment, which consists of taking medications and other procedures. The decision about which drug will be used always depends on several factors: age, history of chronic diseases, whether the patient is a smoker, drinks alcohol or takes any medications.

Treatment for bacterial pneumonia is aimed at getting rid of the virus. To avoid dehydration in the body, the patient should drink plenty of water. This enables the body to overcome bacteremia.

In addition, it is recommended to avoid exposure to cigarette smoke during the entire period of treatment and recovery after recovery from the disease. Smoking has a negative impact on the body's ability to fight infection and increases recovery time.

If the patient has shortness of breath or shows signs of low oxygen levels in the blood, then hospitalization is necessary.

Disease prevention

Bacterial pneumonia can occur in anyone at any time. To date, there are no guaranteed methods to completely prevent this disease. It is best to take measures that can minimize the risk of contracting a bacterial disease.

1. Get vaccinated against influenza.
2. Do not smoke.
3. Wash your hands frequently after contact with people.

If you are at risk for pneumonia, get vaccinated against it so you can be protected against all types of the disease. Check with your doctor to determine if the vaccine is right for you.