MICROBIAL DISEASE OF THE

LOWER RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Figure 1.1: Lower respiratory system

The lower respiratory system consists of the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes and alveoli (Figure 1.1). Our lungs contain about 300 million alveoli, with an area for gaseous exchange of 70 or more squares meters in an average adult. In addition, a ciliated mucous membrane lines the lower respiratory system down to the smaller bronchial tubes and helps prevent microorganism from reaching the lungs.

 

Bacterial Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
• Tuberculosis
• Bacterial Pneumonias
• Meliodosis

Fungal Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System

• Histoplasmosis
• Coccidiomycosis
• Pneumocytosis Pneumonia
• Blastomycosis (North American Blastomycosis)

Viral Diseases of the Lower Respiratory System

• Viral Pneumonia
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
• Influenza (Flu)