European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction-Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory
condition involving the airways and characterized by airflow limitation.
According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010, COPD is the fourth leading cause
of death in the world and is projected to be third leading cause by 2020. The chronic course of
this disease is frequently accompanied by acute exacerbations, usuallydue to infections.
Materials and methods- A total of 50 patients were included in the study.The data was
collected using structured proforma including demographic data, clinical history and lab
investigations. Descriptive statistical analysis (such as mean, median, standard deviation and
percentage) has been carried out in the present study.
Results-In the present study of 50 study subjects comprised of 46 males and 4 females with
mean age of 70.5 years. In 38% of the patients, bacteria were determined to be the cause of
AECOPD. [ Klebsiella pneumoniae (52.63%), Escherichia coli ( 31.57%) and Streptococcus
pneumoniae (15.78%)]. Among viral etiology, parainfluenza(44.4%), influenza(27.8%) and
Respiratory syncytial virus(22.2%). Among Atypical organisms Mycoplasma, Chlamydiae and
Legionella accounted for 38.46%, 30.77% and 30.77% of the cases, respectively.
Conclusion-
Present study indicates that gram-negative bacteria play a major role in exacerbation of COPD
in our population .Among bacterial infections, Klebsiella was most common organism.
Para influenza followed by influenza and RSV are common viral etiological agents in
exacerbations.
Present study indicates that a good proportion of COPD exacerbations were caused by atypical
bacteria. Mycoplasma was the most commonly isolated organism followed by Chlamydia
pneumophila and Legionella species.