A male newborn delivered at 30 weeks gestation develops respiratory distress. A chest x ray shows diffuse bilateral infiltrates. Further examination of lower respiratory tract secretions obtained on transmural needle biopsy shows roughly spherical bodies with sharply outlined walls when stained with methenamine silver. 1. What is the most likely causal organism and why? 2. What drug is used to treat?

The main function of the respiratory system is gas exchange (O2 and CO2). Ventilation is the movement of air through the respiratory tract into (inspiration) and out of (expiration) the respiratory zone (lungs).