Abstract:
The prevalence of bacterial infection may be favoured by malnutrition, insufficient coverage of immunization programme, low level of education, poor hygienic condition and lack of early health care in developing countries. The most frequent non-bacterial agents are respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) the adenoviruses, the para influenza and influenze A&B viruses. Viral infections predispose to secondary pathogenic bacteria by impairing mucocillary clearance, and the functions of neutrophils, alveolar macrophages and T-lymphocytes. Most common bacteria are streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae. Staphylococcus aureus and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae. Etiological diagnosis is difficult as sputum is not easily available. Clinical data and radiological aspect are imprecise, Culture of throat swabs etc. are misleading due to commensals. Lung puncture aspirates offer the best way to determine bacterial causative agents but this cannot be a routine procedure. The mechanism by which the colonizing organisms become invasive and cause infection and disease are not well known. Probably they are related to the host's defences, nutritional status and viral respiratory infections. Through primary health care and first referral pencillin administrated parenterally is the drug of choice for its effectiveness and low cost. The improvement and upgrading of case management of API, particularly at primary health care level and health education of mortality from ARI in children under 5 years of age.
Page(s):
2-7
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Challenge, Volume: 28, Issue: 4, Year: 1987