Pulmonologist recalls a threatening infection that kills more than 500 people in Lithuania every year

However, LSMU Kaunas Hospital Division of Internal Medicine chief, pulmonologist doc. Alfred Bagdon reminds the media that while most of the coronavirus vaccines are still pending, we have been able to significantly reduce the risk of pneumococcal infection for a long time.

In addition to the still rampant coronavirus, the incidence of various viral colds, and especially bacterial pneumonia (pneumonia), increases significantly during each cold season. In Lithuania, more than half a thousand people die each year from pneumonia and its complications. The most common and threatening agent is pneumococcus. It also causes other serious diseases such as meningitis and sepsis.

“Several viruses, especially influenza and coronaviruses, destroy the vibrant epithelium of the respiratory tract, which is the first protective barrier against infection. Generally speaking, it just peels off and thus opens the doors for the pneumococcus to the lung tissue and blood.

Pneumococcus causes the majority of community-acquired pneumonia, and the combination of pneumococcus and the influenza virus, often referred to as “lethal synergism,” leads not only to severe pneumonia, but also to high-mortality pneumococcal sepsis. .

Secondary bacterial pneumonia, which significantly worsens the prognosis, can also contribute to the current severe form of COVID-19, especially in ventilated patients, ”explains the Department of Internal Medicine at LSMU Kaunas Hospital. chief doctor. Alfred Bagdon.

The most important role is played by the immune system.

The incidence of respiratory infections is determined by 3 factors:

1. The amount of infection (viral or bacterial) that has entered the respiratory tract;

2. Aggressive aggression;

3. State of the immune system.

According to the pulmonologist, although we cannot change the aggressiveness of infectious agents, some of our actions affect the risk of infection and are especially important in the prevention of viral infections.

“We can reduce the amount of infection that enters the respiratory tract by keeping a safe distance and wearing protective equipment such as masks, respirators, etc. If this reduces the amount of infection, the lining of the airways is not damaged by smoking or the chronic respiratory diseases, and the immune system responds in a timely and appropriate manner, you are unlikely to get sick. The condition of the immune system is very important here, “says Doc A. Bagdon.

Older people are at higher risk

Since the role of the immune system in protecting against infection is critical, the doctor reminds you which people have a weaker immune response.

“Conditions that are positive for the spread of infection can cause pneumococcal disease in each of us. However, there are risks that are even several times greater for two groups of people: people over 65 and those with other chronic diseases, such as asthma, cardiovascular, liver, kidney, cancer, diabetes.

The incidence of pneumococcal pneumonia in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increases up to seven times. Smokers are also 2.5 times more at risk, ”says Assoc. A. Bagdon.

The most effective weapon is vaccination.

Despite well-available medical care and the constant development of effective antibiotics, pneumococcal pneumonia remains a very dangerous and life-threatening disease, according to a pulmonologist.

“Timely initiation of antibiotic treatment helps prevent death and other complications in some patients, but does not affect overall morbidity and also increases resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, the only effective tool that can significantly reduce morbidity and The mortality of the highest risk groups is the pneumococcal vaccine ”, says Doc A. Bagdon.

His doctor explains that vaccination with a pneumococcal vaccine allows him to produce specific antibodies against the infection in advance and destroy the infection quickly if it becomes infected.

“Currently available pneumococcal vaccines are quite effective and safe. According to research, over 65s. Vaccination of individuals with 23 polysaccharide vaccine serotypes reduces the risk of invasive pneumococcal diseases (pneumococcal pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis) by up to 75 percent, ”says the doc. A. Bagdon.