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Profile of community- and hospital-acquired pneumonia cases admitted to Basra General Hospital, Iraq

G J Al-Ghizawi1, A A Al-Sulami, S S Al-Taher

  • 1Department of Biology, College of Education, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq. aminabdulah@yahoo.com

Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal = La Revue De Sante De La Mediterranee Orientale = Al-Majallah Al-Sihhiyah Li-Sharq Al-Mutawassit
|August 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study identified Streptococcus pneumoniae as the most common cause of pneumonia in Basra, Iraq. Community-acquired pneumonia was most prevalent, particularly in children and males.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pneumonia remains a significant global health concern, with varying etiological agents and epidemiological patterns across regions.
  • Understanding the local spectrum of pneumonia pathogens is crucial for effective treatment and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiological agents and epidemiological characteristics of pneumonia in patients admitted to Basra General Hospital, Iraq.
  • To differentiate between community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia incidence and types.

Main Methods:

  • Collection and analysis of 485 throat swab and sputum samples from patients diagnosed with pneumonia over an 18-month period.
  • Microbiological analysis to identify causative pathogens, including bacterial and mycobacterial species.
  • Categorization of pneumonia cases by acquisition (community vs. hospital) and type (bronchial vs. lobar, primary vs. secondary).

Main Results:

  • The majority of pneumonia cases (94.0%) were community-acquired, with a smaller proportion (6.0%) being hospital-acquired.
  • Highest incidence of pneumonia was observed in patients aged 15 years or younger and in males.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequently identified pathogen (43.9%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (19.4%).
  • Bronchial pneumonia (76.3%) was more common than lobar pneumonia (23.7%).
  • Twenty cases (approximately 4.1%) were attributed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Conclusions:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is the predominant pathogen causing pneumonia in the studied Iraqi population.
  • Community-acquired pneumonia is the major form, disproportionately affecting young individuals and males.
  • The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and antibiotic stewardship for pneumonia in this region.

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