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Community-acquired pneumonia in southeast Asia: the microbial differences between ambulatory and hospitalized

Anan Wattanathum1, Chutima Chaoprasong, Pongpun Nunthapisud

  • 1Division of Pulmonary, Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. wattanathum@hotmail.com

Chest
|May 13, 2003
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Southeast Asia is caused by the same core pathogens as in Western countries, including Chlamydia pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. These findings suggest that current CAP treatment guidelines are applicable to this region.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) poses a significant public health challenge globally.
  • Understanding the specific microbial etiology of CAP is crucial for effective treatment and prevention strategies.
  • Regional variations in causative pathogens necessitate localized epidemiological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the primary microbial agents responsible for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in Southeast Asia.
  • To compare the etiological spectrum of CAP between outpatient and hospitalized patients in Thailand.
  • To inform clinical management and public health policies for CAP in the region.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective study was conducted involving 245 adult patients diagnosed with CAP across three general hospitals in Thailand.
  • Diagnostic investigations included sputum and blood cultures, pleural fluid cultures, urinary antigen tests for Streptococcus pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila, and serology for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.
  • Patients were categorized into outpatient and hospitalized groups for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

  • Microbial agents were identified in 75.5% of outpatients and 71.4% of hospitalized patients.
  • Chlamydia pneumoniae (36.7%) and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (29.6%) were the most prevalent pathogens in outpatients, while Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.4%) predominated in hospitalized patients.
  • Higher incidences of C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae infections were observed in outpatients compared to hospitalized patients (p < 0.001 for both).

Conclusions:

  • The etiological agents causing CAP in Southeast Asia are consistent with those identified in Western countries.
  • The findings support the use of similar clinical guidelines for managing CAP patients in Southeast Asia as in Western regions.
  • Further research may explore the impact of coinfections and specific pathogen prevalence on treatment outcomes.

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