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Clinical characteristics of protracted bacterial bronchitis in Chinese infants

Yuqing Wang1, Chuangli Hao1, FanFan Chi1

  • 1Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Children's Hospital, Soochow University, Jingde Road No. 303, Suzhou 215003, China.

Scientific Reports
|September 5, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a common cause of chronic wet cough in Chinese infants. This study found PBB is linked to specific immune cell changes and often co-occurs with airway malacia.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a leading cause of chronic cough in children globally.
  • The specific etiology of PBB in China remains under-recognized.
  • Chronic wet cough in infants requires thorough investigation for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the etiology and clinical characteristics of protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) in Chinese infants.
  • To identify common pathogens and associated immunological changes in infants with chronic wet cough.
  • To explore the relationship between PBB and airway malacia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 66 infants under three years old with chronic wet cough.
  • Bronchoscopy and broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) for microbiological and cytological analysis.
  • Assessment of lymphocyte subsets and airway malacia.

Main Results:

  • Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) was diagnosed in 75.8% of patients.
  • Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were the most frequent pathogens.
  • Significant alterations in lymphocyte subsets (decreased CD3(+) and CD3(+)CD4(+); increased CD19(+), CD16(+)CD56(+), and CD23(+)) were observed in the PBB group.
  • Airway malacia was present in 44% of cases but did not alter clinical presentation.

Conclusions:

  • Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a significant cause of chronic wet cough in Chinese infants.
  • Distinct changes in lymphocyte subsets are associated with PBB in children.
  • Airway malacia frequently coexists with PBB but does not appear to worsen the condition.

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