Community Acquired Pneumonia in Children

Pneumonia is one of the leading deadly diseases of childhood. Every year, about two million children less than five years of age die because of pneumonia. Group B streptococci and gram-negative rods are the most common pathogens in the newborn period. Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most commonly encountered bacterial species causing pneumonia in the post-neonatal period. Chlamydia trachomatis is the agent of afebrile pneumonia in the first one to three months of life. Viruses are the main causes of pneumonia in children less than five years of age whereas the leading causative agent in older children is Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Tachypnea is the most specific and sensitive sign of pneumonia in children aged 0 to five years. Radiologic investigation is not an essential part of the management of pneumonia. Ampicillin plus gentamycin in newborns, an aminopenicillin in children aged 1 to 60 months, and an aminopenicillin plus a macrolide in older children are appropriate antimicrobial regimens for pneumonia. In those necessitating intensive care, an antistaphylococcal antibiotic should be started. Education and immunization are important measures in prevention.