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The Burden of Hospitalization Due to Klebsiella pneumoniae-Associated Pneumonia in Children Under 5 Years in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Odoom A, Opoku-Asare B, Donkor ES

Health science reports, 2025

2 citations

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Pneumonia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Knowing the prevalence and role of pathogens in pneumonia cases requiring hospitalization is essential for informing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention approaches. This review aimed to establish the burden of Klebsiella pneumoniae –associated pneumonia hospitalizations among children under 5 years of age in LMICs. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted across major databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception up to April 18, 2024. The studies were screened, and the inclusion criteria were applied to identify eligible studies. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, proportional meta‐analysis, and subgroup analysis. Results Out of 238 identified records, 16 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 61,030 hospitalizations, with 2337 from Africa and 58,693 from Asia. K. pneumoniae accounted for 5% (95% CI: 2%–8%; I ² = 98%) of pneumonia‐related hospitalizations. Subgroup analyses showed higher prevalence in upper‐middle‐income countries (7%; 95% CI: 1%–14%; I ² = 98.6%) compared to lower‐middle‐income countries (4%; 95% CI: 0%–8%; I ² = 89.5%) and low‐income countries (1%; 95% CI: 0%–2%; I ² = 30.6%). Regionally, the prevalence was greater in Asia (6%; 95% CI: 1%–10%; I ² = 83%) than in Africa (3%; 95% CI: 1%–5%; I ² = 83%). Antibiotic susceptibility…

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