Which of the following is the most common cause of community acquired bacterial pneumonia in the elderly?
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ReviewPneumonia in the elderlyPneumonia is one of the commonest infections in elderly patients. The pathogens responsible for pneumonias in the elderly are the same as in younger adults. Because of associated cardiopulmonary disease and/or impaired host defenses, pneumonia in elderly patients is associated with increased mortality and morbidity compared to younger patients. The clinical importance of pneumonias in the elderly relates to age-dependent and pathologic changes in the immune system as well as the lungs. Pneumonias in the elderly may be classified, for clinical purposes, according to their location of acquisition, i.e. community-acquired pneumonias, nursing home-acquired pneumonias, or hospital-acquired pneumonias. The clinical presentation of pneumonias in the elderly may be difficult, due to pre-existing cardiopulmonary disease that mimics pneumonia. This review discusses the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to elderly patients with pneumonia. KeywordsLegionnaire's disease community-acquired pneumonia nursing-home-acquired pneumonia nosocomial-acquired pneumonia antimicrobial therapy of pneumonia antibiotic resistance Cited by (0)Copyright © 2001 European Society of Clinical Infectious Diseases. Published by Elsevier Ltd. Some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have had pneumonia. Learn more about COVID-19. Common Causes of Pneumonia Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all cause pneumonia. In the United States, common causes of viral pneumonia are influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19). A common cause of bacterial pneumonia is Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). However, clinicians are not always able to find out which germ caused someone to get sick with pneumonia. Community-acquired pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia in the community (not in a hospital). Healthcare-associated pneumonia is when someone develops pneumonia during or following a stay in a healthcare setting. Healthcare settings include hospitals, long-term care facilities, and dialysis centers. Ventilator-associated pneumonia is when someone gets pneumonia after being on a ventilator, a machine that supports breathing. The bacteria and viruses that most commonly cause pneumonia in the community are different from those in healthcare settings. Learn more below about the infections that commonly cause pneumonia. Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) Infection Human Parainfluenza Virus (HPIV) Infection Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection OverviewPneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems. SymptomsThe signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer. Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include:
Newborns and infants may not show any sign of the infection. Or they may vomit, have a fever and cough, appear restless or tired and without energy, or have difficulty breathing and eating. When to see a doctorSee your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you're coughing up pus. It's especially important that people in these high-risk groups see a doctor:
For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung problems, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and
current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. CausesMany germs can cause pneumonia. The most common are bacteria and viruses in the air we breathe. Your body usually prevents these germs from infecting your lungs. But sometimes these germs can overpower your immune system, even if your health is generally good. Pneumonia is classified according to the types of germs that cause it and where you got the infection. Community-acquired pneumoniaCommunity-acquired pneumonia is the most common type of pneumonia. It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by:
Hospital-acquired pneumoniaSome people catch pneumonia during a hospital stay for another illness. Hospital-acquired pneumonia can be serious because the bacteria causing it may be more resistant to antibiotics and because the people who get it are already sick. People who are on breathing machines (ventilators), often used in intensive care units, are at higher risk of this type of pneumonia. Health care-acquired pneumoniaHealth care-acquired pneumonia is a bacterial infection that occurs in people who live in long-term care facilities or who receive care in outpatient clinics, including kidney dialysis centers. Like hospital-acquired pneumonia, health care-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria that are more resistant to antibiotics. Aspiration pneumoniaAspiration pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, drink, vomit or saliva into your lungs. Aspiration is more likely if something disturbs your normal gag reflex, such as a brain injury or swallowing problem, or excessive use of alcohol or drugs. Risk factorsPneumonia can affect anyone. But the two age groups at highest risk are:
Other risk factors include:
ComplicationsEven with treatment, some people with pneumonia, especially those in high-risk groups, may experience complications, including:
PreventionTo help prevent pneumonia:
What is the most common cause of communityCommunity-acquired pneumonia
It occurs outside of hospitals or other health care facilities. It may be caused by: Bacteria. The most common cause of bacterial pneumonia in the U.S. is Streptococcus pneumoniae.
What is the most common cause of bacterial communityWhat causes community-acquired pneumonia? Many different types of germs can cause pneumonia. But certain types cause CAP more often. Worldwide, Streptococcus pneumoniae is a bacteria that is most often responsible for CAP in adults.
What is the most common cause of pneumonia in the elderly?Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of pneumonia among the elderly. Aspiration pneumonia is underdiagnosed in this group of patients, and tuberculosis always should be considered.
What causes bacterial pneumonia in adults?This type is caused by various bacteria. The most common is Streptococcus pneumoniae. It usually occurs when the body is weakened in some way, such as by illness, poor nutrition, old age, or impaired immunity, and the bacteria are able to work their way into the lungs.
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