Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in Healthy Children Diagnosed with Community Acquired Respiratory Tract Infections in King Abdulaziz University Hospital

Objectives: To identify the prevalent organisms associated with respiratory tract infections according to age groups. To identify the most common antibiotics prescribed among pediatric age groups. Methods: A retrospective cohort study conducted on patients aged 0-18 years, admitted to the inpatient department (IPD) diagnosed with respiratory tract infection between Jan 1 2009 to Jan 31 2015 in King Abdulaziz University Hospital (KAUH). Demographic information, diagnosis, date of admission, laboratory investigations, and treatment were collected from patients’ electronic and paper records then analyzed. Exclusion criteria were based on congenital defects, chronic diseases, and compromised immunity. Results: 122 patients with respiratory tract infections were selected for the study (73 males and 49 females). 45.9% of which were infants-toddlers (n=56). The most common diagnosis was pneumonia unspecific (n=32), followed by acute tonsillitis (n=24) and otitis media (n=22). 52 microorganisms were isolated from clinical samples, 14% being Pseudmonas aeruginosa and 13% Streptococcus pneumoniae. 171 antimicrobials were prescribed during the study period. Penicillins were the most frequent (n=78), followed by Cephalosporins (n=45) and Macrolides (n=22). 6.897% resistance was detected among 87 files with culture and sensitivity tests, 30% of which were positively cultured, ranking resistance with 20%. Conclusions: Despite the results showing minimal resistance, antibiotic resistant organisms remain a global concern that needs to be addressed to prevent the spread of antimicrobial resistant infections.