Background: In spite of advances in antimicrobial therapy over the past few decades', pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To determine the prevalent pathogens responsible for upper and lower respiratory tract infections in our local institution and the population profiles in which these organisms occur. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of sputum samples sent to the Babcock University Teaching Hospital Laboratory over a period of twelve months from 2014-2015. Sputum samples were gram stained upon receipt in the laboratory and assessed with the Barttlet score. Data analysis was done with EPI INFO version 3.5.1. Results: The mean age of the 155 patients was 36.2+/-18.2 ranging from 4 to 92 years. The predominant organism was Streptococcus pneumonia [n = 69 (44.5%)]. Age < 65 was a significant risk for Streptococcus pneumoniae infection (p= 0.00, O.R=3.72, CI=1.00-13.77, X 2 =4.34). It was noted that there was a higher likelihood of Streptococcus pneumoniae infections with decreasing age (p=0.00 Coefficient=-9.05, Standard error=2.98, F test=9.25). Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the prime pathogen associated with respiratory tract infections especially for outpatients in our environment, while Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was seen mainly in inpatients. Streptococcus pneumonia and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent pathogen both among in-patients and outpatients. The findings of this study will help in redesigning empiric therapy for clinicians with respect to respiratory tract infections.
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