PNEUMOCOCCAL CHEST INFECTION IN CHILDREN: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Childhood pneumococcal infection is a growing concern among pediatricians especially, in countries where there is no routine vaccination program against Streptococcal pneumonia. The disease is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in young children, particularly those who are under the age of two years. Its main virulent factors include polysaccharide capsules, autolysin, pneumolysin, choline-binding Protein A, the higher chance for genetic transformation, and the presence of pilli that facilitate enhanced binding of bacteria to host cellular surfaces. More severe and invasive pneumococcal infections are seen in children with immunodeficiencies, hypofunctional spleen, malnutrition, chronic lung disease, and nephrotic syndrome. The disease spectrum includes a range of manifestations from trivial upper respiratory tract infections to severe invasive pneumococcal disease (PD). The basis of diagnosis is the isolation of bacteria in the culture of body fluids, including blood. Sensitivity patterns best guide antibiotics, and the emergence of resistance is a growing concern.

Keyword: pneumonia, pneumococcal infection, children, streptococcal pneumonia