The aetiology of pneumonia associated with measles in Bantu children.

Abstract

SUMMARY Antemortem and postmortem lung puncture aspiration was performed in Bantu children with pneumonia associated with measles. The superinfecting organisms were commonly Staphylo­ coccus pyogenes, but from one-third of the patients Gram­ negative organisms were cultured. These organisms were rarely sensitive to ampicillin or streptomycin. Antibiotic therapy should be tailored accordingly. S. Afr. Med. l., 45, 1402 (1971). Acute pneumonia in Bantu children often fails to resolve rapidly on treatment. This poor response to therapy is highlighted in the patient with pneumonia associated with measles. Cultures taken from nose, throat, sputum and trachea do not necessarily reflect the causative bacteria in lower respiratory tract infection.· The latter technique (cultures from the trachea) is more reliable than the others; but difficult in children. A study has been made of organisms present in the lungs of these children by culture of specimens obtained by percutaneous lung aspiration puncture (LAP).