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. 2006 Nov;10(6):439-45.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijid.2006.06.004. Epub 2006 Sep 20.

The incidence of pneumonia in rural Thailand

Sonja J Olsen  1 , Yongjua Laosiritaworn, Suvaj Siasiriwattana, Supamit Chunsuttiwat, Scott F Dowell
Affiliations

The incidence of pneumonia in rural Thailand

Sonja J Olsen et al. Int J Infect Dis. 2006 Nov.

Abstract

Background: Pneumonia continues to be a leading infectious disease killer, yet accurately measuring incidence remains a challenge. In 2002, Thailand began active, population-based surveillance for radiographically confirmed pneumonia in Sa Kaeo Province.

Methods: Full-time surveillance officers conducted active case ascertainment at every hospital, and routine audits and a community cluster survey promoted complete and accurate reporting. A case of pneumonia was defined as acute infection with signs or symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection and evidence of new infiltrates. An independent panel of radiologists reviewed digital images of all radiographs.

Results: Between September 2002 and August 2003, 777 patients met the case definition. The measured minimum incidence was 177/100,000 but the estimated incidence was as high as 580/100,000 with full adjustment for incomplete chest radiography and access to health care. Seventy-two (9%) patients died and 28% were known to be HIV positive. Fifteen (2%) patients had pneumonia twice during the year. The average cost of hospitalization for an episode of pneumonia ranged from US$490.80 to $628.60.

Conclusions: Pneumonia is a significant and costly public health problem in Thailand. This surveillance system allows precise assessment and monitoring of radiologically confirmed pneumonia and lays the groundwork for the introduction of new vaccines against pneumonia pathogens.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Incidence of radiographically confirmed pneumonia by age. The bold line is the measured incidence and the dotted line is the maximum incidence adjusted for complete ascertainment of chest radiographs and health-seeking behavior.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Number of radiographically confirmed pneumonia cases by month of hospital admission.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mortality of radiographically confirmed pneumonia cases by age, Sa Kaeo, Thailand.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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