The aim: To analyze the epidemiological data and clinical course of pneumonia as a complication of influenza in the Poltava region, depending on the etiological agent. Materials and methods: We have analysed the data of the official reporting documentation provided by the State Institution “Poltava Regional Laboratory Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine” and the chart of patients with a laboratory confirmed diagnosis of influenza who were in inpatient treatment at the Poltava Regional Clinical Infectious Hospital (PRCIH) in 2016-2018 years. In more detail, we examined 95 patients with pneumonia, which complicated the course of the flu. There were 43 (45.26%) female patients, − 52 (54.74%) male patients, aged 18 to 80 years. Results: Studies have shown that despite a decrease in the incidence of influenza in recent years, the incidence of pneumonia, which complicated the course of the flu, remained consistently high (19.7% – 20.8%) with bacteriological isolation of S.pneumoniae (22.11%), S.aureus (13.68%), Haemophilus influenza (4.21%) and E.coli (3.16%). Severe course of pneumonia with bloody sputum, evident shortness of breath, bilateral lung damage, and need for oxygen support were significantly more frequently reported in patients with isolated S.pneumoniae and S.aureus. However, the severe course of the disease with the formation of abscesses in the lungs was observed only in the group S.aureus despite the relatively young age of such patients and significantly fewer risk factors for severe influenza and comorbidities. Conclusions: The study showed a consistently high incidence of pneumonia, which complicated the flu and caused by S.pneumoniae, S.aureus, Haemophilus influenza and E.coli. Pneumonia caused by S.pneumoniae and S.aureus, were characterized the most severe course; however, a severe course with the formation of abscesses in the lung tissue was observed only in the group of S.aureus. KEY WORDS: influenza-associated pneumonia, etiological structure, risk factors, clinical features

The aim: Of the paper is to analyze the current views on diagnosis and management of diphtheria in children. Materials and methods: The data of scientific literature have been analyzed, using the bibliosemantic method of study. Conclusions: The specific prophylaxis is recommended to prevent the infection. It has cross-protection against different strains.

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Coronavirus disease has become an extremely relevant problem due to its pandemic over the world. SARS was called atypical pneumonia because of the similarity in clinical symptoms to already known atypical pneumonias. The new respiratory disease is called coronavirus disease 2019 ‒ COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019). It is caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The main risk group is presented mainly by older population, but experts have begun to note that there is a tendency toward growing number of cases among children. The aim of this study is to analyze the data of the latest relevant literature on SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection in children. The methodology of this study included the systemic and content analysis of available scientific sources devoted to SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus infection in children. An analysis of the literature has shown the average age of sick children is 10.1 years and 6.9 % of them have positive results of antibody test. Half of the children report no symptoms, but those who complain most often have fever (21 %), gastrointestinal symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain (13 %), and headache (12 %). The literature contains data on 8 children with COVID-19 with symptoms of atypical appendicitis with a rapid worsening of the condition requiring hospitalization. A clinical example of our own practice has been presented, and it is somewhat different from the commonly described cases characterized by enterocolitis as a component of the course of coronavirus disease in children. Conclusions. Given the current difficult situation in Ukraine, doctors when examining the young patients with gastrointestinal syndrome should test them for COVID-19 in order to make correct diagnosis and then to choose the right management based on the diagnosis that may require isolation measures to prevent spreading the infection and following the COVID-19 clinical protocol. Healthcare workers should raise awareness among the public about coronavirus vaccination to combat the pandemic.

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