Basal pneumonia is the inflammation of the lower lobes of the lungs. It can be caused by a multitude of factors. The most likely cause of pneumonia is infection. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi. Pneumonia can vary in severity from mild to life threatening.
Viral pneumonia is one of the most common forms of basal pneumonia. Viral pneumonia is a communicable disease and is more common in children than in adults. Influenza viruses, SARS, herpes simplex viruses , cytomegalovirus and human parainfluenza viruses can all be causes of viral pneumonia. Viral basal pneumonia is usually a complication of an infection of another part of the respiratory tract.
Basal pneumonia can also be caused by bacteria. Bacteria are the most common cause of basal pneumonia in adults. Streptococcal, staphylococcal, Haemophilus influenza and Escherichia coli are the most common types of bacteria that cause pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is contagious.
Fungal Basal Pneumonia
Fungi usually enter the lungs in their spore forms and can cause an infection of the lower lobes. Fungal pneumonia is much more common in patients whose immune systems have been compromised. Histoplasmosis, candiasis and pulmonary blastomycosis are all fungi that have been known to cause basal pneumonia.
Parasitic Basal Pneumonia
Parasitic pneumonia is extremely rare. Parasitic pneumonia is almost exclusive to immuno-compromised individuals. Parasites that infect the lungs are usually inhaled or introduced into the body through an individual's skin. Ascariasis, toxoplasma gondii and schistosoma are all parasites that can cause basal pneumonia. Parasitic basal pneumonia is an infectious disease.
Usual Interstitial Pneumonia
Usual interstitial pneumonia can be found in the lower lobes of the lungs. This condition is caused by the progressive scarring of the lungs. In many cases the cause of this condition is unknown and it is not considered to be an infectious condition.