Antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial acute respiratory infections among children between 2-59 months of age requiring hospitalization: A prospective study

Introduction: Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a significant public health problem especially among under-5-year children, the majority occurring in the developing world. Pneumonia, one form of the ARI spectrum, is the most common cause of death among under-5-year children. The number of organisms developing resistance to commonly used antibiotics is increasing.
Objectives: To assess the antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacterial pathogens causing ARI in children aged 2 to 59 months getting admitted for in-patient care. 
Method: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 12 months among 167 children between 2 to 59 months of age suffering from ARI and getting admitted at a tertiary care centre. Airway samples were sent for isolation of bacterial pathogen and further subjected to know antimicrobial sensitivity patterns.
Results: Of a total of 167 patients 112 (67.1%) were male and 109 (65.3%) were infants aged between 2-12 months. Bacteria were isolated in 53 (31.7%) study participants and among bacterial isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 19 (35.8%), Staphylococcus aureus in 9 (17%), Streptococcus pneumoniae in 7 (13.2%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in 7 (13.2%). Antibiotic resistance for Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed in 30 to 80% cases and it also showed resistance to most second line antibiotics.  
Conclusions: Bacteria were isolated in 31.7% of study participants. Among bacterial isolates, 35.8% were Klebsiella pneumoniae, 17% were Staphylococcus aureus, 13.2% were Streptococcus pneumoniae and 13.2% were Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antibiotic resistance for Klebsiella pneumoniae was observed in 30 to 80% cases.