English

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is major cause of morbidity and mortality in all age groups. The presentation may be variable and severity of the disease is seen to be more if co-morbid conditions are present, especially chronic lung disease. Etiological variation in various region of country. The present study was designed to evaluate the clinical, bacteriological and radiological profile of CAP in Hadoti region of Rajasthan. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty patients with community acquired pneumonia aged more than 12 years were enrolled in this study. In all the patients demographic data and detailed history were recorded followed by complete physical examination, chest x-ray, blood culture, sputum culture and pleural fluid culture (if available) and other investigation wherever applicable in a preformed proforma were done. RESULTS: Mean age of patients was 49 years. Smoking was the most common predisposing factor (52%). COPD was most common associated co-morbidity. Etiology was determined in only 26 patients, commonest being Streptococcus pneumoniae. Radiologically lobar pneumonia was commonest finding. CONCLUSION: Our observations will be useful to monitor the trends of CAP in the population of the region and will help the physicians to start rational empirical treatment for patients with CAP. There is need for further conventional serologic tests for atypical and viral pathogens in all patients admitted with CAP.