Aetiology of Bacterial Pathogens from Adult Patients with Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Arba Minch Hospital, South Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is major causes of morbidity and mortality. The etiology of CAP varies by geographic region; knowing the etiology might help for the management of the case in case of emergency and to guide treatment. So, in resource limited countries it is wise to identify the most common pathogens of CAP. The objective of this study was to determine bacterial etiology of CAP among adult patients visiting Arba Minch Hospital. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Arba Minch Hospital, Southern Ethiopia from March 01 to June 01, 2013. Data was collected from adult patients with CAP visiting Arba Minch Hospital using face to face interviews, observation using checklist and laboratory examinations. Sputum specimens were collected and microbiological investigations were performed using standard procedures. Data was processed and analyzed with SPSS version16.0 and Excel 2007. Results: Out of 170 cases, only 68 (40%) were culture positive. One pathogen was demonstrated in 63 (92.6%) patients and 6 (7.4%) had mixed infection. The common isolates of single bacterial pathogens from sputum specimens were S. pneumoniae 20 (11.8%), S. aureus 15 (8.8%), P. aeruginosa 10 (5.8%), K. pneumoniae 8 (4.7%), E. coli 4 (2.4%), H. influenzae 4 (2.4%), P. mirabilis 1 (0.6%), and P. vulgaris 1 (0.6%). The commonest mixed bacterial isolate was K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa 2(1.2%). Conclusion: In this study, common bacteria isolated were S. pneumoniae, S. aureus and gram negative bacteria. Significant numbers of Gram negative bacteria were isolated which may indicate a shift of infection trend to Gram negative bacteria. Hence, periodic monitoring of etiologic agents with their drug resistant pattern is essential for better management of CAP and treatment strategies.