Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Pathogen Detection and Disease Assessment in Real-Time Using M-ROSE
Published on: March 1, 2024
A Clinicoradiological and Bacteriological Profile of Community-acquired Pneumonia in a Tertiary Care Center in
Biswajit Hati1, Debabani Biswas2, Soumya Bhattacharjee3
1Ex-Senior Resident, Department of Chest Medicine, R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkat, India.
Introduction:
The world of microbes as a causative agent of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) has been ever-changing with the emergence of new species, introduction of newer diagnostic techniques, availability of newer antibiotics and vaccines, and changing demographic profiles of patients as reported from different parts of the globe over time.
Objective:
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinicoradiological and bacteriological profile of CAP among patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital with special reference to the CURB-65 score and acute inflammatory markers.
Materials And Methods:
It was a descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study conducted over a period of 18 months in the Department of Respiratory Medicine in a tertiary care hospital in the Indian subcontinent. Patients with features of lower respiratory tract infection of all age-groups and sexes were included in the study; immunocompromised patients, pregnant patients, patients with malignancy, active tuberculosis, and those who received antibiotics in the previous 90 days or were admitted to any other healthcare facility were excluded from the study. The study was conducted after obtaining Institutional Ethics Committee clearance and informed consent from study participants. The data obtained were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software and appropriate statistical tests.
Results:
A total of 100 patients with male predominance (63%), an average age of 47.61 ± 1.78 years, 33% current smokers, and with diabetes (27%) and hypertension (19%) as comorbid conditions were included in the study. Klebsiella and Pseudomonas sp. were among the most common isolates, closely followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae among the elderly population; whereas S. pneumoniae was the most common organism overall, and 48% showed no culture isolate.
Conclusion:
It is an absolute necessity to conduct several similar studies in the future among different patient demographics, localities, and practice settings, keeping in consideration the constantly changing microbiological profile over time and the introduction of new diagnostic and management modalities.
Insights
Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in India shows a changing microbial profile, with *Streptococcus pneumoniae* being common overall. Further studies are needed to track evolving pathogens and diagnostics for effective CAP management.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- The microbial landscape causing community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is dynamic, influenced by emerging pathogens, diagnostics, treatments, and patient demographics.
- Understanding these shifts is crucial for effective CAP management globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinicoradiological and bacteriological characteristics of CAP in a tertiary care hospital.
- To assess the utility of the CURB-65 score and acute inflammatory markers in CAP patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted over 18 months.
- Included patients with lower respiratory tract infections, excluding immunocompromised individuals, pregnant patients, those with malignancy or active tuberculosis, and recent antibiotic users.
- Data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Main Results:
- 100 patients (63% male, average age 47.6 years) were studied, with common comorbidities including diabetes (27%) and hypertension (19%).
- *Klebsiella* and *Pseudomonas* sp. were frequent isolates, alongside *Streptococcus pneumoniae*, especially in the elderly.
- 48% of cases had no identified microbial isolate.
Conclusions:
- The study highlights the need for ongoing research into CAP's evolving microbiological profile across diverse populations and settings.
- Continuous monitoring of diagnostic and management strategies is essential for optimizing CAP care.
More Related Videos
10:26P. aeruginosa Infected 3D Co-Culture of Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Macrophages at Air-Liquid Interface for Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-Infectives
Published on: June 15, 2020
11:32Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
Published on: February 23, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pneumonia 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...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
Sputum Studies II: Culture and Sensitivity
Sputum culture and sensitivity is a medical procedure used to diagnose bacterial infections in the respiratory tract and select the most appropriate antibiotics for treatment. This process involves analyzing sputum samples of thick and opaque secretions produced in the lungs and airways. These samples are collected from patients and then sent to the laboratory for analysis.
The test can identify various pathogens responsible for respiratory infections, including Streptococcus,...
Pneumonia 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:
Sputum Studies I: Gram Stain, cytology, and Acid-fast smear and culture
Gram Stain
The Gram Stain is an integral part of sputum studies. It involves the staining of sputum, which permits...