THE METABOLIC ACTIVITY OF THE MICROFLORA OF THE OROPHARYNX IN CHILDREN WITH BRONCHITIS AND COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA

Abstract

Background: Given a steady increase in the number of children with recurrent respiratory tract infections, to develop methods of their rehabilitation, it is necessary to evaluate factors of nonspecific resistance. Aim: To study metabolic activity of oropharyngeal microflora in children with recurrent bronchitis and community-acquired pneumonia, based on determination of spectrum of shortchain fatty acids (SCFA). Materials and methods: This prospective study included 60 children with recurrent respiratory tract infections aged from 3 to 7 years, hospitalized for inpatient treatment of bronchitis (n = 30) and pneumonia (n = 30). The oropharyngeal microflora was assessed by classical bacteriological method (in mucosal smears); SCFA levels in non-stimulated saliva were measured by gas liquid chromatography. Results: There was no significant difference in qualitative and quantitative composition of the oropharyngeal microflora between children with bronchitis and pneumonia. However, assessment of metabolic functions showed some significant differences. Children with bronchitis showed signs of microflora hyperactivation with total SCFA production up to 118.4% (mean) from that of the reference range, with predominant activation of aerobic bacteria (anaerobic index 66.8%). In children with pneumonia, microflora was suppressed (68.13% of the normal range, the difference with the bronchitis group being significant, p 0.05). Conclusion: The data obtained could be used to make a decision on the necessity of antibacterial therapy.