The value of sputum cytobacteriological examination in the management of bacterial pneumonitis in hospital

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The cytobacteriological examination of sputum, a non-invasive and inexpensive test, has a significant role to play in the management of bacterial pneumonia. It enables precise identification of the causative germ, with a view to readapting antibiotic therapy. <bold>Methods:</bold> In order to determine the value of the cytobacteriological examination of sputum in the diagnosis of bacterial pneumopathies, we conducted a retrospective study, spanning the period from January 2017 to January 2023 and involving 296 cases of bacterial pneumopathies hospitalized in the respiratory diseases department of hospital Ibn Rochd. <bold>Results:</bold> The average age was 55, with extremes ranging from 16-89 years. Males predominated in 75% of cases. Smoking was found in 50% of cases, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis in 17%, and HIV serology was positive in 6%. the cytobacteriological examination of sputum was used to isolate a germ in 50% of cases. All patients were admitted with a radio-clinical and biological picture of non-tuberculous bacterial pneumopathy. The most common germ was Streptococcus pneumoniae in 40% of cases, and a Gram-negative bacillus in 15%. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out in 80 cases, enabling antibiotherapy to be adapted in 30% of cases. The most commonly used antibiotic was amoxicillin/clavulanic acid. The average duration of treatment was 16 days, ranging from 10 to 35 days. All patients had a favorable outcome. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> the cytobacteriological examination of sputum is therefore a key test in the management of bacterial pneumonia, especially in low-income countries.