Clinical Significance of Various Pathogens Identified in Patients Experiencing Acute Exacerbations of COPD: A Multi-center Study in South Korea
- Author:
Hyun Woo JI
1
;
Soojoung YU
;
Yun Su SIM
;
Hyewon SEO
;
Jeong-Woong PARK
;
Kyung Hoon MIN
;
Deog Kyeom KIM
;
Hyun Woo LEE
;
Chin Kook RHEE
;
Yong Bum PARK
;
Kyeong-Cheol SHIN
;
Kwang Ha YOO
;
Ji Ye JUNG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases 2025;88(2):292-302
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Respiratory infections play a major role in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study assessed the prevalence of bacterial and viral pathogens and their clinical impact on patients with AECOPD.
Methods:This retrospective study included 1,186 patients diagnosed with AECOPD at 28 hospitals in South Korea between 2015 and 2018. We evaluated the identification rates of pathogens, basic patient characteristics, clinical features, and the factors associated with infections by potentially drug-resistant (PDR) pathogens using various microbiological tests.
Results:Bacteria, viruses, and both were detected in 262 (22.1%), 265 (22.5%), and 129 (10.9%) of patients, respectively. The most common pathogens included Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.8%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (11.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (9.0%), influenza A virus (19.0%), rhinovirus (15.8%), and respiratory syncytial virus (6.4%). Notably, a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (odds ratio [OR], 1.66; p=0.046), bronchiectasis (OR, 1.99; p=0.032), and the use of a triple inhaler regimen within the past 6 months (OR, 2.04; p=0.005) were identified as significant factors associated with infection by PDR pathogens. Moreover, patients infected with PDR pathogens exhibited extended hospital stays (15.9 days vs. 12.4 days, p=0.018) and higher intensive care unit admission rates (15.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.030).
Conclusion:This study demonstrates that a variety of pathogens are involved in episodes of AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional research is required to confirm their role in the onset and progression of AECOPD.
