Microbial agents associated with pneumonia in children from Uruguay.
The etiology of severe pneumonia, not frequently encountered in a community-based study, was determined in 204 hospitalized children less than 5 years of age. Potential pathogens were identified in 41% of episodes. Viruses were isolated or antigen was detected in 36.3% of cases; 82.4% of these cases were due to respiratory syncytial virus. Bacteria or bacterial antigens were identified in 13.2% of cases; Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the most frequently identified bacterial pathogens isolated from blood and/or pleural effusions. Mixed infections were identified in 4.9% of the episodes. Among the 17 patients with pleural effusion whose pleural space was drained, the etiology was suggested for 10 (58.8%). A clear-cut seasonal variation was seen, with the highest prevalence between May and October. Viral infections were more common in the first 6 months of life, although viral and bacterial infections were distributed throughout the first 5 years of life.
Hortal
M
M
Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Public Health, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Mogdasy
C
C
Russi
J C
JC
Deleon
C
C
Suarez
A
A
D000367:Age Factors; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D010614:Pharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000382:microbiology; D011014:Pneumonia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D011024:Pneumonia, Viral / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons; D018805:Sepsis / Q000382:microbiology; D014583:Uruguay / Q000453:epidemiology