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Prevalence of bacterial pathogens in children with acute respiratory infection in Addis Ababa

E Mohammed1, L Muhe, A Geyid

  • 1Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, P.O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Medical Journal
|January 2, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b were the most common bacterial agents found in children with acute respiratory infections in Addis Ababa. This study highlights the link between bacterial carriership and infection in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) pose a significant health burden in children globally.
  • Bacterial pathogens are key contributors to ARI etiology, necessitating local epidemiological data.
  • Understanding bacterial prevalence is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of bacterial agents associated with acute respiratory infections in children in Addis Ababa.
  • To investigate the association between bacterial carriership in the throat and nasopharynx and ARI in children.
  • To identify the most common bacterial pathogens responsible for ARIs in the studied pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 883 children (77% cases, 23% controls) in Addis Ababa from 1998-1999.
  • Collection of throat and nasopharyngeal specimens from both cases and controls.
  • Isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens using culture and biochemical tests, correlating clinical findings with laboratory results.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b were the most frequently isolated bacteria.
  • Prevalence rates in cases were significantly higher: S. pneumoniae (74%) and H. influenzae type b (70%) in throat/nasopharyngeal specimens.
  • Control group showed much lower isolation rates: S. pneumoniae (2%) and H. influenzae type b (5%).

Conclusions:

  • S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b are strongly associated with acute respiratory infections in children in Addis Ababa.
  • Throat and nasopharyngeal carriership of these bacteria are linked to the incidence of ARI in pediatric patients.
  • Findings underscore the importance of identifying and managing these specific bacterial pathogens in pediatric respiratory health.

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