Bacterial pneumonia: epidemiology, causes, risk factors and clinical fundamentals

Acute lower respiratory infections are one of the most common diseases in worldwide. Sometimes they constitute the most usual cause of death in children aged less than five years, with pneumonia like the leading origin. Pneumonia can be caused by fungi, viruses or bacteria. Last ordinary is represented mainly by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. In this study, epidemiology (communityacquired and hospital-acquired pneumonia), causes, risk factors and clinical basic aspects of bacterial pneumonia are presented. Despite novel advances, the clinical dimensions of the disease remain enormous. Additionally, its a threat to child health and survival, which has been responsible for millions cases of pneumonia in children each year.