What Is a Pathogen?
8. Common Bacterial Pathogens That Cause Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Moraxella catarrhalis, and Hemophilus influenzae. However, viral pathogens (influenza virus and human rhinovirus) are increasingly being identified as the cause of CAP. Individuals with CAP usually present with a productive cough, fever, breathlessness, and pleuritic chest pain (chest pain during breathing).
Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial pathogen that causes CAP, its incidence is decreasing. This is thought to be potentially due to the availability of vaccinations and declining tobacco smoking. Patients with atypical CAP have more subtle symptoms. Pathogens causing atypical CAP include Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydophila pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila.
Advertisement
-06.jpg)
