Pope Francis suffers a “polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract” according to the latest news about his state of health. In addition, this “complex” clinical picture It requires “an adequate hospitalization” as reported by the Vatican in a statement.
In this way, Francisco will continue admitted to the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been since Friday. Although the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni has clarified that it is not “an aggravation” of his health status, The discharge date is not yet known And he has assured that the pontiff “is in a good mood.”
What is a polymicrobial infection
A polymicrobial infection takes place When different microorganisms interactcausing the disease to be more serious or offers more treatment resistance. These microorganisms (bacteria, viruses) at the same time infect several parts of the body, which has to fight them at the same time.
In the case of Pope Francis’s infection, as affects the respiratory tract, they will be the lungs, bronchi and trachea The affected parts, making breathing difficult.
The president of the Italian society of infectious and tropical diseases Roberto Parrella has explained in an interview with El Mundo that It is “positive” that they have “isolated the pathogenic germs Because thanks to an antibiogram you can evaluate the antibiotic response capacity. “
In this way, it can be chosen The most appropriate treatment. In addition, Parrella has added that “in these cases, respiratory support is necessary and that the Pope does have oxygen deficit must undergo oxygen therapy or other treatments.”
Pope’s clinical background
Although it is not surprising that the elderly suffer from envelopes at this time of the year due to the circulation of viruses and bacteria, we must pay attention to the health history of the Pontiff. Francisco is 88 years old and At 21 it was urgently operated by a lung infection in which the upper lobe of the right lung was removed.
In addition, it is not the first time that the Pope enters the hospital due to infections of this type, so he already has a history of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis or pneumonia. Therefore, Your recovery could be slower than that of a person with a mild medical history.
