Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory Tract

Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory Tract

	Viral Diseases Viral pneumonia This occurs as a complication of influenza, measles or even chicken pox. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) Most common cause of viral respiratory disease in infants. Symptoms are coughing and wheezing lasting for more than a week. All children become infected by the age of two. Influenza (viral flu) Characterised by chills, fever, headache and muscular ache. Caused by influenza virus. Fungal Diseases Fungi often produce spores that are airborne and are causative agents of various diseases.
Histoplasmosis It resembles TB superficially. Symptoms are sub-clinical. Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum which is a dimorphic fungus (yeast-like inside the tissue and filamentous in artificial media). Disease is acquired from airborne conidia produced under conditions of appropriate moisture and pH. Coccidioidomycosis Causative organism is Coccidioides immitis which is a dimorphic fungus. Within tissues, the organism forms a thick-walled body filled with spores called spherules. In soil, it forms filaments which reproduce by formation of arthrospores which are carried by wind to transmit the infection.
Laboratory workers must take great care because of the possibility of infectious aerosols. Pneumocystis pneumonia Causative organism is Pneumocystis carinii. It has characters of both a fungus and a protozoan but it is strongly related to certain yeasts (RNA analysis). Causes endemics in hospitals. The pathogen is found in healthy human beings but causes disease among the immuno-compromised persons. People with AIDS are very susceptible to this pathogen. This organism is found in the alveoli of the human lungs. Symptoms of the infection resemble that of pneumonia.
Blastomycosis Causative organism is Blastomyces dermatitidis which is a dimorphic fungus. Infection begins in the lungs and spreads rapidly. Aspergillosis Causative organism is Aspergillus fumigatus. Common among gardeners and farmers due to the spores which are widespread in decaying vegetation. Rhizopus and Mucor species also cause pulmonary infections.

Microbes and Atmosphere Part-2
Potential Hazards in Laboratory Techniques
Hazardous Procedures in the Lab
Airborne Diseases
Modes of Transmission
Direct Droplet
Direct Airborne
Indirect Airborne
Bacterial Diseases of the Upper Respiratory System
Viral Diseases of the Upper Respiratory System
Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory Tract
Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory Tract
Air Sanitation
Ventilation
Safety Cabinets
Disinfectant Sprays and Vapours

Home | Site map | Submit Article | Directory | Search