Types of Pneumonia....DETECTIVE CLUES...

Knowing the CLUES BY HISTORY, will make all the difference on the exam and in
clinical practice.


1. MYCOPLASMA PNEUMONIA....Seen generally in YOUNG adults. Common in the fall
and spring. Frequently associated with a RASH and BULLOUS MYRINGITIS.



2. CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIA...Also common to YOUNG adults. E.g. college dorm students,
military recruits/barracks and frequently follows a prolonged SORE THROAT/URI.
The organism responsible is Chlamydia Trachomatis.



3. PSITTACOSIS PNEUMONIA...Occurs in patients who are in contact with BIRDS.
(pigeons/parakeets/parrots/chickens.) Either through occupation or as pets.
Causative organism is Chlamydia Psittaci.



4. STREPTOCOCCUS PNEUMONIA...Is the most common of the CAP's. Usually very
ACUTE/ABRUPT onset, more common in patients with underlying COPD.



5. KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIA....Especially common in ALCOHOLICS and in patients
with Diabetes Mellitus/Nursing Home populations.



6. LEGIONELLA PNEUMONIA....Associated with WATER VAPORS. E.g. humidifiers,
air conditions, hot tubs, cooling towers and ventilation systems. Clinically, frequently
associated with CONFUSION/DIARRHEA/HYPONATREMIA and pleural effusions.



7. STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS PNEUMONIA....Frequently follows INFLUENZA.
Tends to leave CAVITARY lesions on the CXR.



8. HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE PNEUMONIA....Also, frequently follows a bout of
upper respiratory infection (URI) and especially common in pts. with COPD.



Thanks for your time....remember the clues!