A characteristic feature of viral pneumonia is –
**Core Concept**
Viral pneumonia is a type of respiratory infection caused by viruses, which can lead to inflammation and consolidation of lung tissue. The characteristic features of viral pneumonia are often distinct from those of bacterial pneumonia, and understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Viral pneumonia typically presents with interstitial changes on chest radiography, such as ground-glass opacifications and crazy-paving pattern. This is due to the viral replication in the alveolar epithelial cells, leading to damage and inflammation of the lung tissue. The interstitial pattern is a hallmark of viral pneumonia, distinguishing it from bacterial pneumonia, which typically presents with lobar consolidation.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Lobar consolidation is more characteristic of bacterial pneumonia, not viral pneumonia.
**Option B:** Pleural effusion can occur in both viral and bacterial pneumonia, but it is not a specific feature of viral pneumonia.
**Option C:** Migratory pulmonary infiltrates can be seen in various conditions, including autoimmune diseases, but they are not a characteristic feature of viral pneumonia.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Remember that viral pneumonia often presents with a more gradual onset of symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, in contrast to the more rapid progression seen in bacterial pneumonia.
**Correct Answer:** C. Migratory pulmonary infiltrates