Urinary Antigen Test for Stretococcus Pneumoniae Serotype Prevalence in Community Acquired Pneumonia

Prospective Study to Evaluate Stretococcus Pneumoniae Serotype Prevalence in Community Acquired Pneumonia in Hong Kong Using a Urinary Kit

This is an epidemiology study for the prevalence and serotypes of pneumococcus pneumoniae in hospitalized patients with community acquired pneumonia (CAP). The serotypes of the pneumococcus pneumoniae will be determined by a urinary antigen assay

Inclusion Criteria:

Admitted with signs and symptoms suggestive of pneumonia which include one or more of the followings:

1. fever
2. CXR changes with consolidation, increased alveolar shadowing or hazziness
3. respiratory symptoms like increase shortness of breath, cough with sputum Raised inflammatory markers suggesting of bacterial infection with either increased white cell count or C-reactive protein, or both

Exclusion Criteria:

• Nosocomial pneumonia which is acquired >= 48 hours after hospital admission. Pneumonia which are already known to be caused by pathogens other than pneumococcus pneumoniae.