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Viral pneumonia Full details for md exam answer 15 marks introduction etiology pathogenesis clinical features and diagnostic and treatment complications drug dosage

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"viral pneumonia" treatment antiviral

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This is a comprehensive, examination-ready answer covering all sections you requested. Here is a quick orientation guide:

How to Use This Answer for 15 Marks

SectionMarks Allocation (approx.)
Introduction + Definition1 mark
Etiology (viral agents + risk factors)2 marks
Pathogenesis (molecular + histopathology)3 marks
Clinical Features (adult, pediatric, virus-specific)2 marks
Diagnosis (clinical, CXR, lab, virological tests)2 marks
Treatment + Drug Dosages (all antivirals)3 marks
Complications2 marks
Total15 marks

Key Exam Points to Remember

  1. Influenza hemagglutinin (H) = attachment to sialic acid; Neuraminidase (N) = release of virions — targeted by oseltamivir/zanamivir
  2. Antigenic drift (gradual mutation) = annual epidemics; Antigenic shift (gene reassortment) = pandemic
  3. CXR shows bilateral interstitial infiltrates (not lobar consolidation) in primary viral pneumonia
  4. Oseltamivir 75 mg BD × 5 days is the first-line for influenza; must start within 48 hours
  5. Bacterial superinfection (S. aureus, S. pneumoniae) is the most important complication — classic biphasic illness pattern
  6. Acyclovir IV = treatment for varicella pneumonia (especially in pregnancy)
  7. Dexamethasone 6 mg/day × 10 days reduces mortality in COVID-19 requiring oxygen
  8. Procalcitonin is low in viral pneumonia, high in bacterial — useful differentiating biomarker
  9. Hyaline membrane formation on histology = diffuse alveolar damage (worst-case influenza/COVID-19)
  10. Reye's syndrome = never give aspirin to children with viral (especially influenza/varicella) illness
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