Purpose This study aimed to identify the spectrum and prevalence of viral, atypical, and bacterial pathogens associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children aged 0–5 years and to evaluate their relationship with clinical indicators such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT). Methods This study analyzed 923 children hospitalized with CAP admitted at the Pediatric Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, China. Multiplex RT-PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis was used for diagnosis to detect 13 respiratory pathogens. Other tests included routine blood tests, CRP, and PCT measurements from venous blood samples, and standardized sputum samples were obtained for bacterial culture. Results Among 923 children aged < 5 years, 659 (71.40%) tested positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. The most frequently detected pathogens in this study were Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), human rhinovirus (HRV), Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), and HPIV. The HRV positivity rate was higher in male children, whereas the MP positivity rate was higher in female children. Double infections were more frequent in males (P < 0.05). However, no significant gender differences were found for other pathogens (P > 0.05). Pathogen positivity rates also varied with age (P < 0.05); that is, HBoV was the highest in the 1-year-old group, MP in the 5-year-old group, HPIV in the 3-year-old group, RSV in children under 1 year, and HMPV in the 4-year-old group. Different pathogens caused distinctive changes in blood routine parameters, CRP, and PCT levels (P < 0.05). Combined bacterial infections were common, with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis being the primary bacterial pathogens. Conclusion It was concluded that respiratory pathogens exhibit distinct distribution patterns across genders and age groups. Moreover, Infections with specific pathogens significantly impact blood routine parameters, CRP, and PCT levels. Combined infections were reported to be frequent, particularly between respiratory viruses and bacteria, emphasizing the need for early etiological testing and tailored treatments.

Analysis of common respiratory pathogens in children aged 0–5 years with community-acquired pneumonia

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发表日期：

2025年10月15日

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Meishan Lin,
Kangying Wang,
Dong Lin

摘要

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the spectrum and prevalence of viral, atypical, and bacterial pathogens associated with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children aged 0–5 years and to evaluate their relationship with clinical indicators such as white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin (PCT).

Methods

This study analyzed 923 children hospitalized with CAP admitted at the Pediatric Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Putian University, China. Multiplex RT-PCR combined with capillary electrophoresis was used for diagnosis to detect 13 respiratory pathogens. Other tests included routine blood tests, CRP, and PCT measurements from venous blood samples, and standardized sputum samples were obtained for bacterial culture.

Results

Among 923 children aged < 5 years, 659 (71.40%) tested positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. The most frequently detected pathogens in this study were Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP), human rhinovirus (HRV), Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), and HPIV. The HRV positivity rate was higher in male children, whereas the MP positivity rate was higher in female children. Double infections were more frequent in males (P < 0.05). However, no significant gender differences were found for other pathogens (P > 0.05). Pathogen positivity rates also varied with age (P < 0.05); that is, HBoV was the highest in the 1-year-old group, MP in the 5-year-old group, HPIV in the 3-year-old group, RSV in children under 1 year, and HMPV in the 4-year-old group. Different pathogens caused distinctive changes in blood routine parameters, CRP, and PCT levels (P < 0.05). Combined bacterial infections were common, with Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis being the primary bacterial pathogens.

Conclusion

It was concluded that respiratory pathogens exhibit distinct distribution patterns across genders and age groups. Moreover, Infections with specific pathogens significantly impact blood routine parameters, CRP, and PCT levels. Combined infections were reported to be frequent, particularly between respiratory viruses and bacteria, emphasizing the need for early etiological testing and tailored treatments.