The health of Pope Francis: what is a polymicrobial respiratory infection and how is treatment

The health of Pope Francis: what is a polymicrobial respiratory infection and how is treatment

This morning, the Holy See reported that the Pope Franciswho remains hospitalized in the Gemelli Polyclinic Since Friday, he suffers “a Polymicrobial infection In the respiratory tract”, A picture that forced to adjust the treatment of the pontiff.

The Vatican Press Office said that “all the tests carried out so far are indicative of a complex clinical picture that will require adequate hospitalization” The statement indicated that the conditions of the Pontiff are “stationary” and has “rested well during the night

The diagnosis of polymicrobial infection, involves the simultaneous presence of several microorganisms Pathogens in the Argentine body Jorge Bergoglio88 years. The Vatican spokesman reported that Pope Francis dedicated himself to reading the newspapers and will continue with his medical therapies, which suggests an improvement in his general well -being, although his situation remains delicate.

Before consulting Infobaethe doctor Ana María PutrueleChief of the Pneumonology Division of the Clinic Hospital from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), he explained that “the presence of several germs It can cause the infection to be aggravated. ”

Meanwhile, the doctor Alejandro Videlapneumonologist and former president of the Argentine Association of Respiratory Medicinehe pointed to Infobae that “according to the reproduced information of the Vatican press parts, what has been diagnosed is a Infection produced by multiple germs At the same time, caused by different bacteria. There is a significant percentage of people who have mixed respiratory infections, that is, produced by more than one bacterium. “

In that sense, Dr. Videla stressed: “The Pope is 88 years old and medical history As a previous pulmonary resection (in its youth), the result of complicated pneumonia with a empyema. Therefore, it is a high -riskwhich also uses a wheelchair for its displacements, which also complicates the clinical panorama. That’s why, its hospitalization has been decided to prolong and modify the treatment

The simultaneous presence of pathogens that characterizes a condition Polymicrobial can enhance the severity of infection.

Can be caused by a Combination of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites that invade the airwaysespecially lungsand can affect various segments of the upper and lower respiratory tract.

According to Dr. Putruele, “in these infections, the presence of a microorganism generates a niche so that Other pathogenic microorganisms colonize it “. This means that a primary microorganism can predispose the organism to colonization by others, which derives in a more complex clinical picture.

“He Streptococcus pneumoniaehe Haemophilus influenzaetogether with other viruses such as influenza and sometimes with the respiratory syncotational virus (VSR), they are the main causes of diseases that are usually serious in the lower respiratory tract, ”explained the pneumonologist.

While the statement of the Holy See indicates that the state of the pontiff is “stable”, its treatment has had to adjust due to the presence of multiple pathogens. According to Dr. Putruele, this type of infections “requires special care “since they can complicate with additional infections or even with pictures of Respiratory failure.

In this case, Pope Francis not only faces the infection, but is also a patient with Complex medical historyincluded previous respiratory health problems. Pope Francis took a serious pneumonia in his youth, which led to the removal of a part of his lung. More recently, he suffered two falls in recent months, so he has had to resort to a wheelchair due to the limitation of his mobility.

In addition, the pontiff suffers from diverticulitis, a common disease that causes inflammation or infections in the colon. In 2021, he underwent surgery to remove a portion of his colon.

Regarding the modification of Pope Francis’s treatment, Dr. Videla described: “More antibiotics have probably been added to which he received initialand. Although it has not been specified that it is pneumonia, what is attracting attention is The persistent bronchitiswhich might not be only bronchitis, but a more serious respiratory infection. Now, what should be expected is the answer to antibiotics, since eGeneral, between 48 and 72 hours it can be seen whether there is a clinical improvement or not

As for what is the usual treatment of a polymicrobial infection in the respiratory tract, Dr. Putruele said that it implies the use of antibioticsespecially Macrolides like the erythromycin wave Azithromycinand sometimes medications such as Clindamycin either Lincomycin.

In certain cases, antibiotics such as Metronidazole to eliminate pathogenic bacteria. However, he warned that some bacteria can be Antibiotic resistant Common like penicillin, which further complicates treatment.

The key to handling this type of infections is to act quickly, since they can vary in gravity. In most cases, people who have bacterial growth do not have symptoms and do not require treatment.

However, the head of pneumonology at the Hospital de Clínicas warned that “this would not be the case of Pope Francis.” In your situation, When there are several germs involved, the infection occurs with a potentially serious character.

It is important to note that polymicrobial infection can affect both the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose and throat, as well as the lower respiratory tract, including the bronchi and lungs.

The infections of the lower respiratory tract are those that are usually more serious and are those that are closely monitored in the case of patients such as Pope Francis.

Dr. Putruele explained that, although there are not always complications, “these paintings can be complicated” sometimes with additional conditions, such as cardiological problems or generalized infections. In fact, in some serious cases, they can lead to respiratory failure, which requires urgent medical intervention.

“For now he is not confirmed No fact that indicates additional complications ” In the case of the Pope, he pointed out the pneumonologist.

Although the Holy See has confirmed that the Pope’s health is stable, its hospitalization forced the suspension of several scheduled commitmentsincluding important events such as the Mass of the weekend and the Prayer of the Angelus on Sunday.

The Pope, in a written message, expressed his regret for not being able to be present in these celebrations and explained that he still needs treatment for his persistent bronchitis. Despite his state of health, he hopes to continue his agenda once his condition improves.

Last Friday, the Pontiff was hospitalized in the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic in Rome to continue the treatment of a bronchitis persistent that has affected its respiratory capacity. This condition, which forced him to interrupt his catechesis during the general hearing last week, motivated his hospital admission for closer medical follow -up.

The official statement of the Holy See explained that on Friday that the objective of this hospitalization was to guarantee a controlled environment for treatment and avoid greater complications, given the advanced age of the Pontiff and its medical history.

As Pope Francis is still under treatment, the doctors of the Holy See continue to evaluate their progress and adjust the therapy based on the results obtained in the recent tests.

In the official statement, the Vatican said that the conditions of the Pope remain stable, but the evolution of his illness and the type of microorganisms involved will demand constant surveillance. Although polymicrobial infection in the airways can be serious, access to adequate treatment and timely medical care are key factors for recovery.

As explained by Dr. Putruele, these types of infections require not only effective treatment, but also close monitoring for Avoid serious complications, such as respiratory failure or sepsis.