THE PREVALENCE AND PATTERN OF PNEUMONIA AMONG HAJJ PILGRIMS: A STUDY OF TWO SUCCESSIVE HAJJ SEASONS

Abstract

TYPE: Abstract Publication TOPIC: Chest Infections PURPOSE: To determine prevalence of pneumonia during Hajj seasons 2017, 2018 with estimation of the frequent causative organisms, length of hospital stay and to study the impact of demographic characteristics. METHODS: This retrospective study included the patients who had pneumonia during Hajj seasons 2017 (group I) and 2018 (group II). Sputum sample were collected from all patients for culture, nasopharyngeal swabs were sent for MERS CoV PCR and H1N1. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done and BAL was taken from patients who didn’t produce sputum or nonresolving pneumonia, diffuse lung infiltrates and patients who were on mechanical ventilation and sent for culture. RESULTS: The yield of sputum cultures obtained during Hajj seasons 2017-2018 together were positive in 203 (33%) out of 614 patients, sputum cultures were positive in 74 (28.68%), 129 (36.23%) patients in group I and II respectively. Viral infection was detected in 103 (40%), 138 (38.8%) patients in group I and II respectively with no significant difference. Duration of hospital stay in pneumonia patients were 17.35 ± 29.60, 5.83 ± 20.51 in group I and II respectively with no statistical difference. CONCLUSIONS: Wide range of isolated causative organisms of pneumonia during Hajj are diverse from those reported away from Hajj season as the patients came from different countries with different comorbidities which necessitate creation of specific guidelines for management of pneumonia during Hajj. Great efforts should be performed by the hospitals in update of antibiogram to enable choice of proper empirical antibiotics. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended for all pilgrims to adhere strictly the protective measures DISCLOSURE: No significant relationships. KEYWORD: Hajj; pneumonia; sputum cultures; bronchoscopy