REGIONAL MONITORING OF THE MODERN ETIOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA IN CHILDREN AND THE STATE OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. While the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) has altered the epidemiological landscape, the effectiveness of empirical antibiotic therapy is increasingly compromised by the evolving spectrum of pathogens and the global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Many treatment guidelines are based on international data, which may not reflect local pathogen distribution and resistance profiles. Therefore, establishing robust regional surveillance is critical for developing effective, evidence-based local treatment protocols and promoting antibiotic stewardship. This study was designed to address this critical knowledge gap in our region.