Etude épidémiologique et descriptive des infections respiratoires basses à l’Hôpital Ahmed Medeghri

Abstract

Lower respiratory infections (LRIs) constitute a major public health problem due to their frequency and potential severity; they remain one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. To assess their management, we conducted a descriptive study of all lung samples collected from adult and elderly patients hospitalized in the pulmonology department of Ahmed Medeghri Hospital in Aim Témouchent during the years 2020, 2023, and 2024. 363 cases were reviewed. The main pathologies diagnosed were pneumonia (21%), bronchitis (24%), asthma (26%), pulmonary tuberculosis (18%), and pleurisy (9%). A male predominance (53%) was observed, compared to female patients (47%), with significant variations across years and age groups. Adults represented 57% of the population, compared to 43% for the elderly. A marked decrease in the number of cases of IRB was also noted in 2024, suggesting the possible impact of preventive measures and increased epidemiological surveillance. These results highlight the need to maintain local vigilance and develop targeted prevention strategies to reduce IRB-related morbidity in the region.