Pneumonia is a disease of the lungs. In most cases, it is caused by a
bacterial infection. One particular bacterium, the Pneumococcus, causes
many cases of bacterial pneumonia. Viruses may cause pneumonia, too.
When the disease is caused by viruses, it is called viral pneumonia.
Pneumonia can also be caused by fungi or by breathing certain harmful
chemicals, which irritate the tissues of the lung.
Pneumonia interferes with the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide in
the lungs. Once the organisms are breathed in, they move into the
alveoli (tiny air sacs in the lungs) and irritate them. As a result,
the alveoli fill with fluid. Large numbers of white cells from the
blood then enter the alveoli. These cells fight and destroy disease
organisms. The white cells form a solid mass in the tiny air sacs,
halting the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. If a great many
alveoli are blocked off, the lungs cannot supply the body with
sufficient oxygen. Gradually, the white cells may destroy the
organisms, and the alveoli are able to function again. The organisms
that can cause pnuemonia are all around our primates. But when they are healthy, their bodies are able to resist their effects.
In the 1970's a severe form of pnuemonia, called Legionnaries' disease,
was discovered. This disease is caused by bacteria that live in water,
especially warm standing water. It is thought that the disease can be
spread through water-cooled air-conditioning systems. At one time,
pneumonia was greatly feared. Then antibiotics, such as penicillin,
were found to be effective against the disease. Now, some bacteria have
developed a resistance to certain antibiotics, making them useless for
treatment of some pneumonia cases. Scientists are continually
developing new antibiotics for use in such cases. A vaccine that
protects against pneumococcal pneumonia can also be used. Viral
pneumonia is more common today than it once was. It can be caused by
several different viruses. As yet, there is no cure for viral
pneumonia. Most people who have it get well by themselves, primates
don't and need special attention given usually by antibiotics. Primates
must have rest, liquids, and nourishment as well as medication.
Medicines to ease the cough and lower the fever may be needed. A
humidifier is recommended for primate owners to reduce the toxins in the air to provide a healthy environment for you primate to help fight off bacteria, to keep the air moist not dry.
I recommend primate owners to get their primates a Tetanus Toxoid shot
once every year or every other year. The Tetanus Toxoid shot causes the body to start making antibodies against the toxin to help fight off
bacteria. Again this is another precaution to provide a safe
environment for our primates. Tetanus Toxoid shot is also recommended for primate owners.. If your monkey has dirty nails and sratches you, you can get a serious infection.. Not to mention your veterinarian, if he/she uses a dirty instrument on your primate, it can cause a serious problem for you and your primate.