We compared the clinical, radiological and microbial profile in children suffering from community-acquired pneumonia in rural populations of north India. A total of 125 such children were divided into two age groups of 2-12 months (Group A) and 13-60 months (Group B). After taking a history and clinical examination, routine investigations including full blood count, blood, urine, and nasopharyngeal swab culture and radiology were performed. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae was carried out. Failure to eat or drink was more common (40.9%) in Group A, than Group B (18.7%). Lung consolidation was more common in Group B. Blood and urine culture were found to be more positive in Group A while combined nasopharyngeal culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction favoured more bacterial growth in Group B.
Keywords: Patients; Streptococcus pneumoniae; complete blood count; multiplex polymerase chain reaction.