Definition and pathogenesis of protracted bacterial bronchitis in children

Abstract

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a common cause of children with chronic wet cough.Original microbiologic-based case of PBB was defined as wet cough (>4 weeks) without signs of another cause, bacterial pathogens growing and quantitative culture ≥107 cfu/L in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and cough resolved following a 2-week course of an appropriate oral antibiotics (usually amoxicillin-clavulanate). In recent years, clinical-based case definition of PBB, refractory PBB and recurrent PBB have been proposed to increase its clinical applicability.At present, the pathogenesis of PBB including biofilm formation, impaired airway muco-ciliary clearance, neutrophil inflammation, immune dysfunction and inappropriate use of antibiotics. Key words: Protracted bacterial bronchitis; Chronic cough; Child; Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid