INCIDENCE, RISK FACTORS, ETIOLOGY, AND ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY OF PNEUMONIA: A GLOBAL AND REGIONAL REVIEW

Background; Pneumonia remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly affecting children under five years and older adults. The burden is disproportionately higher in low- and middle-income countries, especially in South Asia and Central Asia. Objective; This review summarizes global and regional pneumonia epidemiology, key risk factors, bacterial etiology, and current antibiotic treatment approaches, with emphasis on South Asia and Central Asia. Methods; A narrative review was conducted using published global reports and peer-reviewed literature to synthesize evidence on pneumonia burden, causative organisms, and management strategies. Results; Pneumonia accounts for a significant proportion of global infectious deaths, with highest incidence in LMICs. Major risk factors include malnutrition, lack of immunization, indoor air pollution, overcrowding, and chronic comorbidities. Common bacterial pathogens include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram-negative bacilli. In South and Central Asia, disease burden is compounded by delayed healthcare access and rising antimicrobial resistance. Standard treatment includes amoxicillin for children and macrolides or beta-lactams for adults, though resistance is increasingly limiting effectiveness. Conclusion; Pneumonia remains a major preventable global health problem. Strengthening vaccination coverage, addressing modifiable risk factors, and ensuring rational antibiotic use are essential to reduce disease burden, particularly in South Asia and Central Asia.