Epidemiology of Community Acquired Pneumonia in North Israel

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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Pneumonia in general and CAP in particular is considered as one of the most common bacterial infections, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and is highly significant economically since all respiratory infections, and pneumonia especially, cause about 80% of antimicrobials use in the community. The high frequency of respiratory infections and the excessive use of antimicrobials are major contributors to the development of pathogens resistant to antimicrobials. In addition, in CAP almost all patients are treated empirically, without identification of causing pathogen. Aim of study: To identify common pathogens causing CAP in hospitalized patients in north Israel.

Detailed Description
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Pneumonia in general and CAP in particular is considered as one of the most common bacterial infections, associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. CAP is highly significant economically since all respiratory infections, and pneumonia especially, cause about 80% of antimicrobials use in the community. The high frequency of respiratory infections and the excessive use of antimicrobials are major contributors to the development of pathogens resistant to antimicrobials. In addition, in CAP almost all patients are treated empirically, without identification of causing pathogen. CAP is divided to two principal groups: Bacterial CAP and Atypical CAP. Since pathogens are different, treatment approach is also different. The main obstacle is absence of adequate diagnostic immediate and cheap tools to enable identifying pathogen and hence treatment is not always appropriate. Giving the right therapy at the right time is of major importance since early start of correct treatment is linked to morbidity and mortality of patients. For prescribing appropriate empiric therapy, knowing the epidemiology of CAP, i.e. the frequent causing pathogens according to age groups and other demographic characteristics, is essential. Unfortunately, except one study conducted 10 years ago by Dr. Liberman from Soroka Medical Center, there is no characteristic information regarding causing pathogens. Lacking this data, might result in selecting inadequate treatment. Material & Methods: We should enroll about 300 patients hospitalized in Ha'Emek Medical Center with the diagnosis of CAP, in order to make the study results statistically significant. In addition to demographic and clinical data, following tests will be performed: Blood cultures Sputum PCR - throat culture to the following pathogens: Mycoplasma pneumoniae Chlamydia pneumoniae Legionella Adenovirus Influenza A Influenza B RSV Metapneumovirus Parainfluenza Pneumococcal antigen in urine

Official Title
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Epidemiology of Community Acquired Pneumonia in North Israel

Conditions
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Community Acquired Pneumonia

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Community acquired pneumonia Hospitalization Exclusion Criteria: Immunocompromised patients Patients under chemotherapy treatment Patients under steroids treament

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Community acquired pneumonia