Analysis of Pathogen Detection Data in 898 Pediatric Patients Hospitalized with Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Leyu Li; Hui Zhang; Jin Hu; Yingjie Lu; Xiaoyan Zhao; Rina Sa; Yao Yao; Langshan Bao; Jing Cao; Ming Li; Huan Zeng; Lei Wang

doi:10.54097/2rgcnh23

Authors

Leyu Li
Hui Zhang
Jin Hu
Yingjie Lu
Xiaoyan Zhao
Rina Sa
Yao Yao
Langshan Bao
Jing Cao
Ming Li
Huan Zeng
Lei Wang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/2rgcnh23

Keywords:

Pediatric Community-acquired Pneumonia, Respiratory Pathogen Detection, Epidemiology, Mixed Infections, Mycoplasma Pneumoniae, Seasonal Variation

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in pediatric patients has seen significant changes following the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. This study examines the epidemiology and pathogen detection in children hospitalized with CAP at Beijing New Century Children's Hospital throughout 2023. Objective: To analyze the pathogen detection rates and distribution characteristics among 898 pediatric CAP patients admitted during 2023, focusing on age-related and seasonal variations. Methods: This retrospective study included 898 pediatric patients diagnosed with CAP between January 1 and December 31, 2023. Respiratory pathogen detection was performed using a combination of antigen detection kits, nucleic acid testing, and bacterial culture. The data were analyzed for pathogen distribution across different age groups and seasons. Results: Of the 898 CAP cases, pathogens were detected in 703 cases (78.3%). Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequently identified pathogen (44.1%), with detection rates increasing significantly with age, particularly in school-aged children. Viral pathogens were detected in 42.7% of cases, with Respiratory Syncytial Virus (32.4%) being the most prevalent. Bacterial pathogens were identified in 49.5% of cases, with Streptococcus pneumoniae (34.1%) and Haemophilus influenzae (33.0%) being the most common. Mixed infections were observed in 64.4% of cases, with a higher prevalence in older children and during the autumn and winter seasons. Conclusions: The study highlights significant age and seasonal variations in pathogen distribution among pediatric CAP patients. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was more common in older children and during autumn, while bacterial infections peaked in winter. The findings emphasize the need for age and season-specific strategies in managing pediatric CAP and suggest that comprehensive diagnostic approaches are crucial to accurately identify the causative pathogens.

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