From the Guidelines
Bronchopneumonia is primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, as well as respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. These pathogens can enter the lungs through inhalation of respiratory droplets or aspiration of oral secretions, and can cause infection in individuals with risk factors such as advanced age, smoking, chronic lung diseases, immunocompromised states, and recent viral respiratory infections 1.
Common Causes of Bronchopneumonia
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Legionella pneumophila
- Klebsiella pneumoniae
- Respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus
Risk Factors for Bronchopneumonia
- Advanced age
- Smoking
- Chronic lung diseases (like COPD)
- Immunocompromised states
- Recent viral respiratory infections
- Alcoholism
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis of bronchopneumonia is typically made through a combination of clinical evaluation, radiographic imaging, and laboratory tests, including sputum cultures and blood tests 1. Treatment typically involves antibiotic therapy, and the choice of antibiotic depends on the suspected or confirmed causative organism, as well as local patterns of antibiotic resistance 1.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia
Hospital-acquired pneumonia often involves different bacterial species, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can complicate treatment 1. Prompt identification of the causative organism through sputum cultures or other diagnostic tests helps guide appropriate antibiotic therapy.
Prevention
Prevention of bronchopneumonia involves measures such as vaccination against influenza and pneumococcus, as well as infection control practices in healthcare settings to reduce the transmission of respiratory pathogens 1.
From the Research
Causes of Bronchopneumonia (B/Pneumonia)
The causes of Bronchopneumonia (B/Pneumonia) can be attributed to various bacterial pathogens.
- The most frequent causative pathogen of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia (CABP) is Streptococcus pneumoniae 2.
- Other common pathogens include:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Haemophilus influenzae
- Enterobacteriaceae
- Legionella pneumophila
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Chlamydophila pneumoniae 2
- The treatment of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is often empirical, covering both typical and atypical pathogens 3, 4.
- The increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant strains, such as penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, poses a challenge for physicians when selecting empiric antimicrobial therapy 5, 2.