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Medical Science Optional daily answer writing practice for CSE 2024 – Feb 20

Topic: Pleural effusion, tuberculosis, Malabsorption syndromes, mayocrdial infarction

Question: Write shortly on following a)Mention common organisms causing pneumonia b)Drugs used in management of myocardial infarction.

Click here for Reference Material-This material is informational alone and is not specifically prepared as an answer for any question. Readers may do their own research before finalising diagnoses according to the characteristics unique to each question. Readers should not proceed without cross-referencing with relevant textbooks as well as standard guidelines available.

Common Organisms Causing Pneumonia:

Age GroupCommon Organisms Causing Pneumonia
Neonates and Infants1. Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
2. Chlamydia trachomatis
3. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Children and Adolescents1. Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Haemophilus influenzae (Hib)
3. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
4. Chlamydia pneumoniae
5. Respiratory Viruses (Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus)
Adults (18-65 years)1. Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Haemophilus influenzae
3. Mycoplasma pneumoniae
4. Legionella pneumophila
5. Staphylococcus aureus
Elderly (65 years and older)1. Streptococcus pneumoniae
2. Haemophilus influenzae
3. Respiratory Viruses (Influenza, Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
4. Aspiration Pneumonia
5. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

1. Streptococcus pneumoniae:

  • Gram-positive bacterium, a leading cause of community-acquired pneumonia.
  • Can lead to severe infections and is more prevalent in older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

2. Haemophilus influenzae:

  • Gram-negative bacterium, particularly type b (Hib), is a common cause in children.
  • Can also affect adults, especially those with underlying respiratory conditions.

3. Mycoplasma pneumoniae:

  • Atypical bacterium causing atypical pneumonia.
  • More common in younger individuals, often associated with milder symptoms.

4. Legionella pneumophila:

  • Causes Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
  • Often linked to contaminated water sources, air conditioning systems, or hot tubs.

5. Chlamydia pneumoniae:

  • Another atypical bacterium causing respiratory infections.
  • Mild symptoms, similar to Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and often treated with macrolide antibiotics.

6. Staphylococcus aureus:

  • Can cause severe and rapidly progressing pneumonia.
  • More common in hospitalized or immunocompromised individuals.

7. Klebsiella pneumoniae:

  • Gram-negative bacterium associated with healthcare-associated pneumonia.
  • Common in individuals with underlying health conditions.

8. Pseudomonas aeruginosa:

  • Particularly a concern in hospitalized patients with compromised immune systems.
  • Resistant to many antibiotics, making treatment challenging.

9. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV):

  • Common viral cause of pneumonia, especially in infants and young children.
  • Can also affect adults, particularly the elderly.

10. Influenza virus:

  • Seasonal influenza can lead to viral pneumonia, often in the setting of a secondary bacterial infection.
  • Vaccination is a crucial preventive measure.

Drugs Used in the Management of Myocardial Infarction:

1. Aspirin:

  • Mechanism of Action: Inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, leading to decreased synthesis of thromboxane A2, which is involved in platelet aggregation. By reducing platelet activation, aspirin helps prevent the formation of blood clots in the coronary arteries.

2. Thrombolytic Agents (e.g., Alteplase, Reteplase):

  • Mechanism of Action: These agents are fibrinolytic enzymes that activate the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin. Plasmin then breaks down fibrin clots, promoting thrombus dissolution and restoring blood flow in occluded coronary vessels.

3. Beta-Blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Atenolol):

  • Mechanism of Action: Block beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to reduced heart rate, myocardial contractility, and blood pressure. This decreases myocardial oxygen demand, making beta-blockers beneficial in preventing further damage to the heart.

4. ACE Inhibitors (e.g., Enalapril, Lisinopril):

  • Mechanism of Action: Inhibit the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), which converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent vasoconstrictor, and its inhibition results in vasodilation, decreased aldosterone release, and reduced cardiac workload, ultimately improving cardiac function.

5. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs):

  • Mechanism of Action: Block the angiotensin II receptor, preventing its vasoconstrictive effects. This leads to vasodilation and reduced aldosterone release, similar to ACE inhibitors, thereby improving cardiac function.

6. Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Simvastatin):

  • Mechanism of Action: Inhibit 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. By reducing cholesterol levels, statins lower the risk of atherosclerosis progression and subsequent cardiovascular events.

7. Nitroglycerin:

  • Mechanism of Action: Acts as a vasodilator by releasing nitric oxide, leading to relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. This results in dilation of coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart, and alleviating angina associated with myocardial infarction.

8. Anticoagulants (e.g., Heparin, Enoxaparin):

  • Mechanism of Action: Enhance the activity of antithrombin, which inhibits clotting factors such as thrombin and factor Xa. By preventing the formation of blood clots, anticoagulants reduce the risk of further coronary artery occlusion.

9. Clopidogrel:

  • Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the P2Y12 receptor on platelets, thereby reducing platelet activation and aggregation. This antiplatelet effect helps prevent the formation of thrombi in the coronary arteries.

10. Morphine:

  • Mechanism of Action: Alleviates pain associated with myocardial infarction by binding to opioid receptors in the central nervous system. Additionally, morphine has a mild vasodilatory effect, reducing myocardial oxygen demand.

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