Chlamydophila pneumoniae; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; and Influenza in Children with Respiratory Infections in Alexandria; Egypt

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are the leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality worldwide. Information about etiological agents of ARI in developing countries is still limited. Methodology: Throat swabs collected from children hospitalized with ARI between December 2009 and May 2010 were investigated for Chlamydophila pneumoniae; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; and influenza viruses by molecular analyses. Results: This study conducted in Alexandria; Egypt; was designed to determine the prevalence of several microorganisms in 156 children hospitalized with ARI. Overall; samples from 76 individuals (49) were found to be positive for at least one pathogen; and 10 of them were positive for two agents. C. pneumoniae was the most commonly detected agent; followed by M. pneumonia and H1N1 pandemic influenza virus. Positivity for C. pneumoniae was associated with colder months and mild disease of the upper respiratory tract such as laryngitis. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to identify other possible agents of ARI (e.g.; RSV; adenoviruses; other bacterial infections) in this population and to better understand the causal role of atypical bacteria detected in respiratory samples

Atypical Pneumonia in Adults in Southern Africa

The true incidence of Legionella pneumophilia; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Coxiella burnetti; the so called 'atypical' pathogens that cause adult community acquired pneumonia in Southern Africa is unknown. Although there are a lack of community-based studies; hospital-based studies suggest that the incidence may be up to 30 in patients admitted; but not requiring an intensive care unit. A lack of specific clinical features that differentiate atypical pathogens; plus the lack of reliable; simple diagnostics compound the uncertainty as to the contribution of atypical pathogens to the sum total of community acquired pneumonias in Southern Africa. Without reliable diagnostic tests; macrolide/azalide antibiotics are widely used for inpatients with pneumonia potentially fuelling the rise of antibiotic resistance to macrolides in other bacteria

The atypical pneumonias: The South African context

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common clinical presentation in general practice. The prevalence and burden of disease caused by the atypical bacteria (Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Legionella pneumophila) are not well defined in South Africa. Each of the atypical bacteria is discussed individually with regard to clinical presentation; diagnosis and treatment. A unified approach to CAP and its management is discussed