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A cross-sectional study of isolates from sputum samples from bacterial pneumonia patients in Trinidad

Nabeetha A Nagalingam1, Abiodun A Adesiyun, William H Swanston

  • 1School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.

The Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases : an Official Publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases
|October 15, 2005
PubMed

Insights

This study identified common bacteria in pneumonia patients, finding Gram-negative enteric bacteria (GNEB) most frequent in older adults. Gentamicin and levofloxacin showed the best effectiveness against these pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Pneumonia remains a significant global health concern, necessitating identification of causative pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.
  • Understanding the epidemiology of bacterial pneumonia is crucial for effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of key bacterial pathogens in pneumonia patients.
  • To establish the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles (antibiograms) of isolated bacteria.
  • To explore potential associations between pneumonia and various risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Sputum samples and demographic data were collected from 124 pneumonia patients.
  • Bacterial culture was performed to identify Staphylococcus aureus, Gram-negative enteric bacteria (GNEB), Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
  • The disc diffusion method was employed to assess bacterial resistance to eight antimicrobial agents.

Main Results:

  • Prevalence rates: Staphylococcus aureus (6.5%), GNEB (12.1%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (1.6%), and Haemophilus influenzae (0.8%).
  • Gram-negative enteric bacteria (GNEB) infections were most common in patients over 70 years old (47%).
  • Gentamicin and levofloxacin demonstrated the highest efficacy against the tested bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the varying prevalence of bacterial pathogens in pneumonia, with GNEB being significant in the elderly population.
  • Established antibiograms indicate that gentamicin and levofloxacin are effective treatment options.
  • No significant correlation was found between hospital factors, demographics, or symptoms and the prevalence of these specific bacteria.

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