World Pneumonia Day

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Viral pneumonia occurs when a respiratory virus like influenza or SARS-CoV-2 spreads infection into the lungs. Bacterial pneumonia occurs when certain bacteria—such as organisms that typically colonize in the nose and throat, or atypical bacteria—infect the lungs. Fungi are not contagious and do not usually cause infection in healthy people, but if a patient’s immune system is already compromised, fungal pneumonia can occur.

Pneumonia symptoms and signs include cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, and chest pain. People who are high-risk or who are experiencing severe symptoms, like difficulty breathing or a persistent high fever, should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

Some types of pneumonia, including pneumococcal pneumonia, can be prevented by widely available vaccines. Addressing issues like malnutrition, pre-existing conditions like HIV, and environmental factors like air pollution can also help prevent the onset and severity of pneumonia, especially for high-risk populations.

Treatment for mild pneumonia generally includes rest, hydration, and medication for fever or pain along with antimicrobial therapy. Depending on the cause and severity of the infection, hospitalization may be required.

With every pneumonia case, healthcare providers are faced with an immense clinical burden, especially with COVID-19 still in the mix. The BIOFIRE^® FILMARRAY^® Pneumonia Panel targets 33 organisms and antimicrobial resistance genes in about an hour. One comprehensive menu encompasses the most common causes of bacterial and viral infections, as well as antimicrobial resistance genes, to potentially aid in the faster diagnosis and subsequent treatment of pneumonia.

Using PCR technology, the BIOFIRE Pneumonia Panel simultaneously and accurately detects the nucleic acid of all 33 targets instead of relying on the growth of viable organisms in culture. By delivering a pathogen-specific result in about an hour, the BIOFIRE Pneumonia Panel can help shorten the time to optimal therapy, promote antibiotic discontinuation, and facilitate more efficient allocation of critical resources like ICU beds.

• Learn how to get involved in this year’s World Pneumonia Day campaign
• Discover how syndromic pneumonia testing with BIOFIRE can provide better answers faster.