Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Bacterial pneumonia and its associated factors in children from a developing country: A prospective cohort study
Anna Marie Nathan1,2, Cindy Shuan Ju Teh3, Kartini Abdul Jabar3
1Department of Paediatrics, University Malaya Paediatric, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Insights
Bacteria are a significant cause of severe childhood pneumonia in developing nations, affecting one in four admitted children. Male gender and chest crepitations are linked to bacterial pneumonia, while co-infections raise C-reactive protein levels.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pneumonia is a leading cause of childhood mortality globally.
- Determining the specific etiology of pneumonia in children is crucial for effective treatment.
- Severe pneumonia cases often present diagnostic challenges regarding causative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the etiological agents of severe pneumonia in children.
- To investigate factors associated with bacterial pneumonia.
- To examine the relationship between co-infections and disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of children (1-month to 5-years) with severe pneumonia.
- Detection of 17 bacteria and viruses using PCR, immunofluorescence, and culture on sputum and blood samples.
- Chest radiograph interpretation by a designated radiologist.
Main Results:
- Pathogens were detected in 62% of 300 recruited children.
- Bacterial pneumonia alone was found in 25% of cases, with common bacteria including Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Viral pneumonia occurred in 23.7%, with rhinovirus, human metapneumovirus, and RSV being most common. Co-infections were present in 13.3%.
Conclusions:
- Bacteria are a significant cause of severe childhood pneumonia in developing countries.
- Male gender and the presence of crepitations were associated with bacterial pneumonia.
- Co-infection correlated with elevated C-reactive protein but not other severity indicators.
Introduction:
Pneumonia in children is a common disease yet determining its aetiology remains elusive.
Objectives:
To determine the a) aetiology, b) factors associated with bacterial pneumonia and c) association between co-infections (bacteria + virus) and severity of disease, in children admitted with severe pneumonia.
Methods:
A prospective cohort study involving children aged 1-month to 5-years admitted with very severe pneumonia, as per the WHO definition, over 2 years. Induced sputum and blood obtained within 24 hrs of admission were examined via PCR, immunofluorescence and culture to detect 17 bacteria/viruses. A designated radiologist read the chest radiographs.
Results:
Three hundred patients with a mean (SD) age of 14 (±15) months old were recruited. Significant pathogens were detected in 62% of patients (n = 186). Viruses alone were detected in 23.7% (n = 71) with rhinovirus (31%), human metapneumovirus (HMP) [22.5%] and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) [16.9%] being the commonest. Bacteria alone was detected in 25% (n = 75) with Haemophilus influenzae (29.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (24%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (22.7%) being the commonest. Co-infections were seen in 13.3% (n = 40) of patients. Male gender (AdjOR 1.84 [95% CI 1.10, 3.05]) and presence of crepitations (AdjOR 2.27 [95% CI 1.12, 4.60]) were associated with bacterial infection. C-reactive protein (CRP) [p = 0.007]) was significantly higher in patients with co-infections but duration of hospitalization (p = 0.77) and requirement for supplemental respiratory support (p = 0.26) were not associated with co-infection.
Conclusions:
Bacteria remain an important cause of very severe pneumonia in developing countries with one in four children admitted isolating bacteria alone. Male gender and presence of crepitations were significantly associated with bacterial aetiology. Co-infection was associated with a higher CRP but no other parameters of severe clinical illness.
More Related Videos
12:21A Mouse Model for the Transition of Streptococcus pneumoniae from Colonizer to Pathogen upon Viral Co-Infection Recapitulates Age-Exacerbated Illness
Published on: September 28, 2022
04:32Murine Oropharyngeal Aspiration Model of Ventilator-associated and Hospital-acquired Bacterial Pneumonia
Published on: June 28, 2018
Related Concept Videos
01:30Pneumonia I: Introduction
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
01:30Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
01:30Pneumonia V: Nursing management and Prevention
The nurse must practice strict medical asepsis and adhere to infection control guidelines to minimize healthcare-associated infections.
Enhance airway patency
Position the patient correctly to facilitate drainage of the affected lung segments. Manual or mechanical percussion and vibration can also be employed....
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
01:28Pneumonia IV: Management
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...