Community-acquired pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia in immunocompetent children: a study of 7 cases

To characterize the clinical features and outcomes of community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) pneumonia in immunocompetent children.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on seven immunocompetent children with community-acquired PA pneumonia hospitalized between January 2015 and June 2025. Pneumonia was defined by acute respiratory symptoms with new radiographic infiltrates. PA infection was confirmed by culture from sterile sites/lower respiratory tract or metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.

All patients were male (n = 7). Age distribution was as follows: 1-12 months (n = 3), 13-36 months (n = 1), 37-60 months (n = 1), and ≥ 61 months (n = 2). Median age at onset was 18.0 months (IQR: 8.0-123.0). All patients presented acutely with fever and cough; two developed respiratory failure within 72 h. Additional clinical features included dyspnea (n = 4), lung rales (n = 4), hemoptysis (n = 3), chest pain (n = 2), and wheezing (n = 1). Chest imaging showed lobar consolidation (n = 5) or mass-like consolidation (n = 2). A total of seven cases were identified, with PA confirmed by culture in four patients and by mNGS of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in three patients. All isolates were susceptible to anti-pseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics except aztreonam. Complications included definite or suspected empyema (n = 5), pyopneumothorax (n = 3), and bacteremia (n = 2). Three patients required pediatric intensive care, two received invasive mechanical ventilation, two underwent closed thoracic drainage, and one required decortication. There were no deaths, but 4 patients sustained significant residual lung injury secondary to necrotizing pneumonia.

Although rare, community-acquired PA pneumonia in immunocompetent children is associated with severe disease and pulmonary complications. Initial therapy with anti-pseudomonal β-lactam antibiotics appears effective in improving outcomes. Repeated cultures are recommended in the cases who remain symptomatic.