Background-There are few data on paediatric community acquired pneumonia (P
CAP) in the UK.
Aims-To investigate the aetiology and most useful diagnostic tests for PCAP
in the north east of England.
Methods-A prospective study of hospital admissions with a diagnosis of PCAP
.
Results-A pathogen was isolated from 60% (81/136) of cases, and considered
a definite or probable cause of their pneumonia in 51% (70/136). Fifty (37%
) had a virus implicated (65% respiratory syncytial virus) and 19 (14%) a b
acterium (7% group A streptococcus, 4% Streptococcus pneumoniae), with one
mixed infection. Of a subgroup (51 patients) in whom serum antipneumolysin
antibody testing was performed, 6% had evidence of pneumococcal infection,
and all were under 2 years old. The best diagnostic yield was from paired s
erology (34%, 31/87), followed by viral immunofluorescence (33%, 32/98).
Conclusion-Viral infection accounted for 71% of the cases diagnosed. Group
A streptococcus was the most common bacterial infective agent, with a low i
ncidence of both Mycoplasma pneumoniae and S pneumoniae. Pneumococcal pneum
onia was the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia in children under 2 y
ears but not in older children. Inflammatory markers and chest x ray featur
es did not differentiate viral from bacterial pneumonia; serology and viral
immunofluorescence were the most useful diagnostic tests.