Atypical Pneumonias + Bronchitis

Question 1

Which pathogens cause atypical pneumonia and how do they present?

Answer 1

mild “walking pneumonia”
* Mycoplasma pneumo
* Chlamydophilia pneumo

Severe, treated inpatient
* Legionella pneumo

Question 2

Aspiration pneumonia

Answer 2

=> NP fluid enters lungs, causes illness if predisposed/not healthy

Use beta-lactam (caused by normal mouth flora)

Question 3

Procalcitonin (PCT) usage

Answer 3

=> diagnostic aid
* use with other info (ex. x-ray with mass) to confirm diagnosis

PCT is precursor of calcitonin (released w/ bacterial infection)

If no infection, PCT = negative
bacterial inf, renal failure, trauma = positive