Pneumonia is a severe respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, potentially filling them with fluid or pus. Symptoms include cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, with pneumococcal pneumonia, caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, being particularly dangerous. The pneumococcal vaccination is crucial in preventing this infection. There are two main types of vaccines: pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV15, PCV20) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23). These vaccines are recommended for children under five, adults over 65, and individuals aged 19-64 with specific risk factors. Vaccination not only protects individuals from serious illness but also reduces the spread of the infection within the community. Regular vaccination tracking and consultation with healthcare providers are essential to ensure timely and appropriate vaccination, thereby enhancing individual and public health.

Polio is a serious disease caused by a virus that targets the nervous system. It’s typically transmitted through contact with the stool (poop) of an infected person or, less commonly, through droplets from a sneeze or cough. Polio can spread in the following ways:

• Consuming raw or undercooked food or drinks that are contaminated with the stool of an infected person.
• Putting a contaminated object, like a toy, in your mouth.
• Touching a contaminated surface and then putting your fingers in your mouth.
• Having close contact with someone infected with polio, such as when providing care.

Polyamines like putrescine, spermidine, and cadaverine are metabolites of arginine and tyrosine that have many important roles in the gut like stabilizing RNA and DNA structures, supporting protein synthesis, and scavenging free radicals. However, high amounts of polyamines can be toxic to the gut microbiome. Gut bacteria primarily synthesize amines from amino acids. Generally speaking, Gram-positive bacteria tend to reduce the concentration of amines, while Gram-negative species produce amines and increase their concentration.

Polychromasia is a significant hematological condition characterized by the presence of variously colored red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood smear. This condition, often indicative of an ongoing process in the bone marrow where red blood cells are produced, is crucial for medical diagnostics. Polychromasia arises when immature red blood cells, known as reticulocytes, are released prematurely into the bloodstream.

Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), primarily neutrophils, are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response to bacterial infections. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the presence of elevated PMNs, known as neutrophilic pleocytosis, typically indicates acute inflammation or infection in the central nervous system (CNS). Normal CSF contains 0-5 PMNs/µL, and significant increases are often associated with conditions such as bacterial meningitis, where PMNs can exceed 80% of the total white blood cell count, as well as early viral meningitis, CNS abscesses, trauma, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. The detection of elevated PMNs is a key diagnostic indicator for distinguishing bacterial infections from viral or other causes, necessitating further tests like CSF glucose and protein levels to determine the underlying issue. Prompt evaluation and treatment are critical, particularly in life-threatening situations like bacterial meningitis.

Polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells refer to the group of white cells known as granulocytes. The three types of granulocytes are:

Neutrophils

Basophils

Eosinophils

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) are a type of white blood cell (WBC) that include neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and mast cells. PMNs are a subtype of leukocytes, which protect the body against infectious organisms.

PMNs are also known as granulocytes. They play a central role in the innate immune system.

In normal conditions, the most common PMN, by far, is the neutrophil. These make up the most significant amount of blood cells produced by the bone marrow and are the first line of defense in protecting the body from infection.

If your doctor tests your urine and finds too many leukocytes, it could be a sign of infection.

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), commonly known as neutrophils, are a critical component of the body's immune response, especially in fighting bacterial infections. When a sputum culture test reveals a significant presence of PMNs ("Many Polys"), it typically indicates an active respiratory infection. These cells are quickly mobilized to infection sites, where they engulf and destroy pathogens. Their presence in a sputum sample helps clinicians determine the nature of a respiratory problem. High levels of PMNs can suggest a bacterial infection, prompting further investigation and possibly the prescription of antibiotics. However, the interpretation of these results should always be done alongside clinical assessments and other diagnostic tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The CSF PMN % biomarker refers to the percentage of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), commonly known as neutrophils, found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). PMNs are a type of white blood cell involved in the immune response, and their presence in CSF can indicate inflammation or infection within the central nervous system. Typically, CSF contains very few white blood cells, and a low PMN percentage is considered normal.

The Porphobilinogen Deaminase, Whole Blood test is used to a) confirm a diagnosis of acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) following a positive urine porphobilinogen (PBG) test and/or b) to evaluate disease risk in family members of an individual with a confirmed diagnosis of AIP.

Porphobilinogen deaminase, also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase, is commonly confused with uroporphyrinogen III synthase, the enzyme deficient in congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP).

The porphyrias are a group of inherited disorders resulting from enzyme defects in the heme biosynthetic pathway. Acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) is caused by diminished erythrocyte activity of porphobilinogen deaminase (PBGD), also known as uroporphyrinogen I synthase or hydroxymethylbilane synthase (HMBS).

Onset of AIP typically occurs during puberty or later. Individuals may experience acute episodes of neuropathic symptoms.