Compare and contrast pneumococcal and mycoplasmal pneumonia

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Pneumonia describes a general pathogenic process in which an infection of the lungs results in their being filled with fluid, and the subsequent complications arising from such a process. Among bacterial pneumonias, both pneumococcal and mycoplasmal pneumonias are common types. Pneumococcal pneumonia is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, while mycoplasmal pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. In general, pneumococcal pneumonia is a more serious disease than mycoplasmal pneumonia, which is often called "walking pneumonia" because of its milder symptoms. Pneumococcal pneumonia has a more seasonal occurrence than mycoplasmal pneumonia, which is seen throughout the year. Furthermore, mycoplasmal pneumonia, also known as primary atypical pneumonia, is seen most commonly in adolescents and young adults, whereas pneumococcal pneumonia is more common in children, the elderly, and immunocompromised patients. S. pneumoniae produces a variety of virulence factors that result in serious damage to lung tissue, sometimes resulting in blood in the sputum being coughed up. The bacteria can further migrate into the bloodstream from the damaged lung tissue, sometimes even causing more serious bacteremia and meningitis. On the other hand, mycoplasmas have more limited virulence factors, and their main mode of pathogenesis is the elimination of the function of the ciliary escalator, resulting in mucus buildup that causes a persistent, unproductive cough as the patient tries to clear the lungs. Other bacteria may enter the lungs as a result of the failure of this defense mechanism, but in general, mycoplasmal pneumonia is never severe enough to require hospitalization.
Bloom's Taxonomy: Analysis
Section: Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System
Learning Outcome: 22.11