Pathogen Diversity, Resistance Trends, and Bacterial Plaque in Acute Pneumonia Among Young Patients

Pneumonia is a major global health issue, particularly affecting children under five and young adults. Despite advancements in diagnostics and treatment, antimicrobial resistance complicates management. This study explores the etiology and antibiotic resistance of acute pneumonia in hospitalized patients, highlighting the impact of bacterial plaque on overall health. A total of 116 sputum samples from patients aged 5–35 years were analyzed at the Victor Babes Clinical Hospital of Craiova in January 2023. Bacterial pathogens were identified using diverse culture media, and antibiotic susceptibility was assessed via the disk diffusion method following CLSI 2015 standards. Nearly half (49.14%) of samples showed no bacterial growth, while Staphylococcus aureus (28.81%), Klebsiella spp. (27.12%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (18.64%) were the most common pathogens in positive samples. Significant antibiotic resistance was noted, with Staphylococcus aureus showing 100% resistance to penicillin but none to linezolid. High resistance levels in Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa underline growing multidrug resistance. Colistin demonstrated no resistance, highlighting its potential efficacy. The study reveals a diverse etiological spectrum of acute pneumonia and significant antimicrobial resistance trends. Tailored treatment based on local resistance patterns and enhanced stewardship programs are essential to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens and improve outcomes.