3-13. MYCOPLASMAL PNEUMONIA
Mycoplasmas can be defined as bacteria that do not have a cell wall.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is a respiratory, disease-producing microorganism that occurs
from time to time and spreads in groups of people--the family, school populations, the
military.
a. Signs/Symptoms.
(1)
Slow onset of headache and malaise.
(2)
Cough, nonproductive or a small amount.
(3)
Not acutely ill.
(4)
No cyanosis or dyspnea.
(5)
(6)
Shadows on the chest x-ray.
(7)
White blood count is normal.
(8)
Gram stain shows normal flora (flora-normal bacteria in intestine).
(9)
Frequently affects families.
(10) Generally, limits itself.
(11) Cold agglutinins positive (50 percent or more).
b. Treatment. Follow the same general measures as for pneumococcal
pneumonia. Antimicrobial drugs are not necessary in mild or moderate cases of this
disease. In severe cases, tetracycline or erythromycin may be given for two or three
weeks.
3-14. VIRAL PNEUMONIA
Viral pneumonia may be caused by the adenoviruses (a group of DNA viruses,
some of which can cause respiratory tract infections), respiratory viruses, the
parainfluenza viruses, and probably other viruses not yet identified with viral
pneumonia. It is difficult to distinguish viral pneumonia from primary atypical pneumonia
on the basis of physical and x-ray findings. It is necessary to examine sputum by
Gram's stain and culture to diagnose viral pneumonia.
MD0568
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