A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY OF THE CLINICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF COMMUNITY ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN ADULT PATIENTS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Community-acquired pneumonia, clinical profile, bacteriological profile, antimicrobial resistance, adult, cross-sectional study.
Abstract
Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains one of the most prevalent and potentially life-threatening infectious diseases affecting adults worldwide. Despite advances in diagnostic techniques and therapeutic interventions, CAP continues to impose a substantial burden on healthcare resources.
Objectives: To provide a comprehensive analysis of the clinical and bacteriological profile of adult patients diagnosed with CAP in a tertiary care hospital. To evaluate the prevalence of co-morbidities, the spectrum of causative agents, antimicrobial resistance patterns, and factors influencing clinical outcomes.
Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted over 18 months, enrolling 350 adults (>18 years old) with a confirmed diagnosis of CAP. Clinical assessments, laboratory investigations, radiological evaluations, and microbiological cultures were performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted for all isolates. Statistical analyses were performed.
Results: The study cohort had a mean age of 54.2 years, with a male predominance. The common symptoms included cough (92%), fever (87%), and dyspnea (70%). Co-morbidities were present in 69% of patients, with diabetes mellitus and COPD being the most frequent. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the leading pathogen (41%), followed by Haemophilus influenzae (15%) and atypical bacteria (12%). Resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics was notable, while fluoroquinolones and macrolides retained efficacy. Multi-lobar involvement, advanced age, co-morbidities, and delayed antibiotic therapy were significantly associated with increased mortality (9%).
Conclusion: CAP in adults displays significant diversity, with a considerable burden of co-morbidities and antimicrobial resistance. Early diagnosis, tailored empirical therapy based on local resistance patterns, and prompt management of underlying illnesses are crucial for improving outcomes mentioned above.
References
2. Musher DM, Thorner AR. Community-acquired pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 2014;371(17):1619-28.
3. Torres A, Peetermans WE, Viegi G, Blasi F. Risk factors for community-acquired pneumonia in adults in Europe: a literature review. Thorax. 2013;68(11):1057-65.
4. Jain S, Self WH, Wunderink RG, et al. Community-acquired pneumonia requiring hospitalization among U.S. adults. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(5):415-27.
5. Mandell LA, Wunderink RG, Anzueto A, et al. Infectious Diseases Society of America/American Thoracic Society consensus guidelines on the management of community-acquired pneumonia in adults. Clin Infect Dis. 2007;44(Suppl 2):S27–S72.
6. Lim WS, van der Eerden MM, Laing R, et al. Defining community acquired pneumonia severity on presentation to hospital: an international derivation and validation study. Thorax. 2003;58(5):377-82.
7. Lisboa, Thiago et al. “Pleural infection: changing bacteriology and its implications.” Respirology (Carlton, Vic.) vol. 16,4 (2011): 598-603. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.01964.
8. Fine MJ, Auble TE, Yealy DM, et al. A prediction rule to identify low-risk patients with community-acquired pneumonia. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(4):243-50.
9. Arancibia F, Bauer TT, Ewig S, et al. Community-acquired pneumonia due to Gram-negative bacteria and Pseudomonas aeruginosa: incidence, risk, and prognosis. Arch Intern Med. 2002;162(16):1849-58.
10. File TM Jr, Marrie TJ. Burden of community-acquired pneumonia in North American adults. Postgrad Med. 2010;122(2):130-41.
11. Almirall J, Bolíbar I, Vidal J, et al. Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in adults: a population-based study. Eur Respir J. 2000;15(4):757-763.
Article Sidebar
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
All articles published in JPTCP are licensed under Copyright Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Dr. Archana Andhavarapu
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School & Hospital, Ragolu, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India – 532484.
Dr. Chandra Sekhar Gurugubelli
Associate Professor, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine, Great Eastern Medical School & Hospital, Ragolu, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India – 532484.
