Pneumonia is defind as the inflammation of lung tissue caused by an infectious agent that
results in acute respiratory signs and symptoms. Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a
major cause of morbidity and increased health care costs. In developing nations, pneumonia
remains a significant cause of mortality in children.
Pneumonia occurs in 30 to 45 of every 1,000 children under 5 years of age; it is less common
in 5- to 9-year olds (16 to 22/1,000) and in older children (7 to 16/1,000).
Streptococcus pneumoniae is the primary bacterial cause of pneumonia in infants and children.
Viral etiologies become less prevalent and mycoplasmal and chlamydial infections become more
prevalent with increasing age