Respiratory infections are primarily caused by viral or bacterial pathogens.
Viral vs. Bacterial Causes
The specific cause of a respiratory infection often depends on the type of infection and the part of the respiratory system affected.
- Viruses: According to the provided reference, viruses are the most common cause of bronchitis and bronchiolitis.
- Bacteria: In community-acquired pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial agent.
| Cause | Infection Type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Viral | Bronchitis, Bronchiolitis | Many different viruses can cause these. |
| Bacterial | Community-Acquired Pneumonia (often) | Streptococcus pneumoniae |
