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inflammation and consolidation of the lung tissue as a result of infection, inhalation of foreign particles, or irradiation. Many organisms, including viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia, but the most common causes are bacteria, in particular species of Streptococcus and Mycoplasma. Although viral pneumonia does occur, viruses more commonly play a part in weakening the lung, thus inviting secondary pneumonia caused by bacteria. Fungal pneumonia can develop very rapidly and may be fatal, but it usually occurs in hospitalized persons who, because of impaired immunity, have reduced resistance to infection. Contaminated dusts, when inhaled by previously healthy individuals, can sometimes cause fungal lung diseases.
Mycoplasmal pneumonia, caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, an extremely small organism, usually affects children and young adults; few cases beyond the age of 50 are seen. Most outbreaks of this disease are confined to families, small neighbourhoods, or institutions, although epidemics can occur. M. pneumoniae grows on the mucous membrane that lines the surfaces of internal lung structures; it does not invade the deeper tissues—muscle fibres, elastic fibres, or nerves. The bacteria can produce an oxidizing agent that might be responsible for some cell damage. Usually the organism does not invade the membrane that surrounds the lungs, but it does sometimes inflame the bronchi and alveoli.
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