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Bacterial pathogens in malnourished children with pneumonia
1Department of Paediatrics, Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences, Ogun State University, Sagamu, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Lung puncture aspirates were obtained from 99 malnourished children aged 9 months to 5 years with pneumonia, in order to identify the causative bacterial agents. Klebsiella species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were identified in 39.4%, 30.3% and 8.8% of aspirates, respectively. Approximately half to two-thirds of the children in each aetiological group had the same organisms isolated in both lung aspirates and blood. The bacterial agents reflected the immunocompromised status of the patients. Isolation of Klebsiella species was associated with age (p < 0.01), and type of malnutrition (p < 0.05); while that of Staphylococcus aureus was only statistically associated with type of malnutrition (p < 0.01). Gentamicin and cloxacillin represent a safe antibiotic regime for pneumonia in children with moderate to severe malnutrition.
Insights
This study identified Klebsiella, Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli as common bacterial causes of pneumonia in malnourished children. Gentamicin and cloxacillin are recommended as safe antibiotics for treating this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Malnourished children are susceptible to severe pneumonia.
- Bacterial pathogens in pediatric pneumonia require identification for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify bacterial agents causing pneumonia in malnourished children.
- To determine the association between specific bacteria and malnutrition status.
- To evaluate antibiotic efficacy in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Collected lung puncture aspirates from 99 malnourished children (9 months to 5 years) with pneumonia.
- Identified bacterial pathogens using microbiological techniques.
- Correlated bacterial isolates with patient age and malnutrition type.
Main Results:
- Klebsiella species (39.4%), Staphylococcus aureus (30.3%), and Escherichia coli (8.8%) were the predominant pathogens.
- Similar organisms were found in lung aspirates and blood in 50-67% of cases.
- Klebsiella isolation correlated with age and malnutrition type; S. aureus with malnutrition type.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial profiles in malnourished children reflect their immunocompromised state.
- Gentamicin and cloxacillin offer a safe and effective antibiotic regimen for pneumonia in moderately to severely malnourished children.