A retrospective study of clinico-radiological and microbiological profile in case of community acquired pneumonia admitted in a tertiary care hospital.

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly among hospitalized patients. Identifying the microbial profile of CAP is crucial for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Objective This study aims to evaluate the clinico-radiological and microbiological profile of CAP in patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital, with a focus on identifying prevalent pathogens and their distribution. Methods A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in a tertiary care center in South India from July 2024 to December 2024. A total of 130 patients with clinico-radiological evidence of pneumonia were included. Sputum samples were analyzed to determine the presence of bacterial pathogens, and statistical analysis was performed using descriptive methods. Results The mean age of the study population was 55.92 years (SD ± 18.29), with a female predominance (56.9%). Sputum cultures revealed that no organism was isolated in 43 cases (33%). Among detected pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common (36 cases), followed by Acinetobacter (20), Pseudomonas (18), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (5). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli were identified in smaller numbers. Conclusion The study highlights a shift in the microbial profile of CAP, with Klebsiella pneumoniae emerging as the predominant pathogen instead of Streptococcus pneumoniae. This shift has significant implications for empirical antibiotic therapy and antimicrobial stewardship. Continuous surveillance and region-specific treatment strategies are essential to optimize CAP management and improve clinical outcomes.