Atypical Pneumonia Flashcards
What is Atypical Pneumonia
The definition of atypical pneumonia is pneumonia caused by an organism that cannot be cultured in the normal way or detected using a gram stain. They don’t respond to penicillins
What drugs are atypical pneumonias sensitive to
They can be treated with macrolides (e.g. clarithomycin), fluoroquinolones (e.g. levofloxacin) or tetracyclines (e.g. doxycycline).
What are the atypical pneumonias?
Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires’ disease) Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Chlamydophila pneumoniae. Coxiella burnetii AKA “Q fever”. Chlamydia psittaci. Fungal Pneumonias
What is Legionella pneumophila (Legionnaires’ disease)
This is typically caused by infected water supplies or air conditioning units. It can cause hyponatraemia (low sodium) by causing an SIADH. The typical exam patient has recently had a cheap hotel holiday and presents with hyponatraemia.
What is Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
This causes a milder pneumonia and can cause a rash called erythema multiforme characterised by varying sized “target lesions” formed by pink rings with pale centres. It can also cause neurological symptoms in young patient in the exams.
What is Chlamydophila pneumoniae
The presentation might be a school aged child with a mild to moderate chronic pneumonia and wheeze. Be cautious though as this presentation is very common without chlamydophilia pneumoniae infection.
What is Coxiella burnetii AKA “Q fever”.
This is linked to exposure to animals and their bodily fluids. The MCQ patient is a farmer with a flu like illness.
What is Chlamydia psittaci.
This is typically contracted from contact with infected birds. The MCQ patient is a from parrot owner.
What is the Fungal Pneumonia called
Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) pneumonia
What patient group does Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) pneumonia occur?
Immunocompromised
It is particularly important in patients with poorly controlled or new HIV with a low CD4 count
Symptoms of Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) pneumonia
It usually presents subtly with a dry cough without sputum, shortness of breath on exertion and night sweats.
Treatment for Pneumocystis jiroveci (PCP) pneumonia?
Treatment is with co-trimoxazole (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) known by the brand name “Septrin”. Patients with low CD4 counts are prescribed prophylactic oral co-trimoxazole to protect against PCP.
