Clinical response to antibiotics in indigenous versus non-indigenous children under 5 years old with community-acquired pneumonia in Otavalo, Ecuador

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study compares the clinical response to antimicrobials between indigenous and non-indigenous Kichwa children under 5 years old with CAP in Otavalo, Ecuador.

METHODS:

All children with CAP who met the inclusion criteria and were admitted at the San Luis de Otavalo Hospital between March 2017 and June 2018 were evaluated.

RESULTS:

No significant differences were observed in clinical responses between indigenous and non-indigenous children.

CONCLUSIONS:

The improved healthcare access of the Otavalo’s Kichwa population may have contributed to the observed clinical response to CAP treatment.

Keywords:
Antibiotics; Cultural characteristics; Ecuador; Indigenous people; Parturition; Pneumonia