Bacterial etiology of pneumonia in children up to 2 months of age: a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Following the widespread introduction of childhood pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs), a significant impact on pneumonia mortality in children under five years of age has been reported. It is still unknown whether PCVs are expected to reduce pneumonia burden in younger children, particularly ≤2 months of age, as current evidence on the role of S. pneumoniae in pneumonia etiology in this age group is scarce. We aimed to summarize the evidence of bacterial etiology of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age. Methods: We conducted a systematic review considering studies evaluating a variety of syndromes associated with pneumonia, and reporting on laboratory confirmed etiologies, considering any diagnostic method and a variety of clinical specimens.  We searched Medline/PubMed, Embase, WoS, Central and Index Medicus Global published in any language till April 30th, 2021. We included studies addressing the outcomes of interest in children ≤2 months of age and reporting on clinical trials, observational studies, and case series with at least 10 events. Screening of citations and data extraction were conducted in duplicate by independent reviewers, according to the study protocol registered on PROSPERO. Descriptive analyses of the various etiologic agents by syndrome are reported. Results: We identified 3,744 citations, of which 22 publications reporting on 13 studies were included. Study methods varied significantly. Nonetheless, gram positive organisms, in particular S. pneumoniae, were identified as important etiologic agents of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age. Viral etiologies, in particular Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, and Influenza were also identified. Conclusions: This review provides the most comprehensive analysis to date of the etiologies of pneumonia in children ≤2 months of age, suggesting that PCV impact is expected to occur in this age group. These results also have major implications for diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia in this age group.