Seasonal variation in community-acquired pneumonia

Abstract

S Se ea as so on na al l v va ar ri ia at ti io on n i in n c co om mm mu un ni it ty y--a ac cq qu ui ir re ed d p pn ne eu um mo on ni ia a ABSTRACT: Seasonal variation in the incidence of disease in general, and of infectious diseases in particular, is vitally important information for epidemiologists and for clinicians who deal with these diseases. In relation to communityacquired pneumonia (CAP), the seasonal distribution of the disease and, in particular, of each of the specific aetiological agents is important. All 346 adult patients who were admitted to a regional hospital in southern Israel for CAP over a period of 1 year were included in a prospective study. As part of the study, a comprehensive diagnostic work-up was performed to identify the specific causative agents for CAP. The study findings were analysed and are presented in terms of the seasonal distribution of the disease.Thirty four percent of CAP cases occurred in the spring and only 18% in the autumn (p=0.036). Respiratory viruses CAP were predominant in the winter and spring (p=0.009), whilst Mycoplasma pneumoniae CAP reached its peak incidence of 41% in the spring compared with 15% during the winter months (p=0.054). No significant seasonal predominance was observed for the other specific aetiological agents of CAP. In 58% of the CAP patients who were hospitalized in the autumn we identified a pneumococcal aetiology, whilst this agent was found in only 32% of the cases in the winter.In contrast with popular public opinion, winter with its low temperatures is not the main reason for the development of community-acquired pneumonia. Most of the specific aetiologies for community-acquired pneumonia, with the exception of respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, have no seasonal predilection.

Seasonal variation of Mycoplasma infections in Iceland and Israel: different associations with meteorological variables

“…In contrast, in Israel, pneumonias caused by Mycoplasma were significantly more common in the spring compared to the winter months (p=0.054). It should be noted that the findings of LIEBERMAN et al [1] are based on an observation period of only 1 yr whilst our results are based on 9 consecutive yrs. It is, therefore, possible, as LIEBERMAN et al [1] pointed out, that a single outbreak in the spring of 1992 might explain the high incidence of Mycoplasma pneumonias during this period.…”

“…We read with great interest the article by LIEBERMAN et al [1] published in this journal last December regarding community-acquired pneumonia in the Beer-Sheva area of Israel. We were especially interested in their results regarding Mycoplasma infections.…”

“…Mean age of the seropositive individuals was 22 yrs; 52% females and 48% males. Figure 1 shows the seasonal distribution of Mycoplasma infections in Iceland and Israel [1]. In Iceland, a significant seasonal difference in Mycoplasma infections was observed during this period (p=0.001).…”

Modelling Under-Five Mortality among Hospitalized Pneumonia Patients in Hawassa City, Ethiopia: A Cross-Classified Multilevel Analysis

“…According to Lieberman's [15] finding there is high incidence of CAP during spring and summer seasons. This could be the reason for the high risk of death from CAP in these seasons.…”

“…Variables considered at individual/patient level in the study were selected based on some previous study [9,[12][13][14][15][16] and those that are expected to be the factors/determinants of mortality of under-five from hospitalized patients of CAP. Number of nurse on service in a given month * Length of Hospital stay is the number of colander days from the days of patient admission to the day of discharge…”