Current Understanding of Congenital Pneumonia

Abstract

Currently there is no consistent definition of congenital pneumonia. The actual incidence of this condition is unknown. Autopsy studies on preterm infants suggest that this condition is grossly under-diagnosed and a common cause of death. Bacteria, virus and fungi have been reported to be the causative organisms, with Staphylococcus epidermidis, Group B Streptococcus, Escherichia coli and Ureaplasma urealyticum being the most common. Examination of the gastric aspirate or nasopharyngeal aspirates shortly after birth, or tracheal aspirates obtained within 8 h of birth, may identify the causative organisms. Except for Gram staining and routine microbiological culture, most of the diagnostic tests are expensive. This review presents the diagnostic problems, treatment, prevention and future perspective of this condition.

Congenital Pneumonia

“…The most common mechanism is via ascension of pathogenic microorganisms from the birth canal into the intrauterine cavity. 4 Contamination of amniotic fluid occurs through a minimal and often unrecognized defect in chorioamniotic membranes or following premature rupture of the membranes. 5 This constitutes a frequent cause of maternal chorioamnionitis.…”

“…In general, the duration of antibiotics varies between 5 days and 3 weeks based on the clinical, microbiological, and radiological responses. 4 Apart from antimicrobial therapy, general supportive measures including respiratory support, inotropic therapy, fluid, and nutritional management are equally important. 85 Respiratory insufficiency requiring mechanical ventilation and oxygen support is the prominent concern in majority of infants presenting with congenital pneumonia.…”

Chlamydia trachomatis Infections in Neonates

“…Subsequent transplacental infections occur predominantly in cases with ruptured membranes, and less frequently with intact membranes (Mohile et al, 2002;Preece et al, 1989). Affected fetuses are at a higher risk of being born preterm and of developing respiratory distress symptoms early after birth, though this is a rare kind of vertical transmission and an uncommon congenital condition due to C. trachomatis (Boo, 2008;Colarizi et al, 1996;López-Hurtado et al, 1999;Sollecito et al, 1992;Zar, 2005).…”