Abstract

CERMENO, Julmery; CERMENO, Julman; PADRINO, Marjorie  and  RIVERO, Leonela. Etiology of community acquired pneumonia in patients hospitalized in health centers of Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela. Saber [online]. 2015, vol.27, n.2, pp.276-285. ISSN 1315-0162.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common disease with increasing morbidity and mortality. Knowledge of CAP etiology in each geographical area will determine the appropriate treatment for each case. This purpose of this prospective-descriptive study, was to determine the etiology of CAP in patients hospitalized in health centers of Ciudad Bolivar, Bolivar State. We studied 100 patients who consented to participate in the study. Epidemiological and clinical data of patients were recorded. Microbiological studies of sputum, blood cultures and serology for Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Mycoplasma pneumonia were performed. Moreover, mycological studies (direct examination, cultures and serology to detect Paraccocidiodes spp. Complex and Histoplasma capsulatum), and baciloscopy from sputum and pleural fluid were made. The most frequent clinical manifestations were shortness of breath, fever, chest pain and coughing with expectoration. Among patients, 63% reported a history of respiratory diseases, 52%, had risk habits (38% smokers). One or two pathogens were detected in 70 patients, being the most frequent M. pneumoniae (35%) followed by acid resistant bacilli and the Complex Paracoccidioides spp. (16%). The association of pathogens occurred in 16% of cases, including chronic pneumonia agents (mycobacteria and fungi). None of the patients showed Streptococcus pneumoniae. In conclusion, M. pneumoniae was the most frequent etiologic agent of CAP. Mycobacteria, the Complex Paracoccidioides spp. and coinfections should be considered. Further studies are required to identify other possible infectious agents and establish the role of S. pneumoniae in hospitalized patients in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.

Keywords : Acid resistant bacilli; Complex Paracoccidioides; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Streptococcus pneumoniae.

        · abstract in Spanish     · text in Spanish     · Spanish ( pdf )