Gram-negative bacilli are a major cause of secondary pneumonia in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.

Background: This study was aimed at describing the profile of bacterial aetiology of secondary pneumonia in pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients.

Methods: A 22-month analysis of patients with PTB and secondary bacterial pneumonia was conducted. Data on isolates recovered and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile were recorded.

Results: Of the 141 patients, there were 79 (56%) males and the mean age was 35.98±15.93. Gram-negative bacilli were isolated with equal frequency as Streptococcus pneumoniae (63 [44.7%]). Most of the isolates tested were sensitive to levofloxacin, ceftriaxone or chloramphenicol.

Conclusion: Gram-negative bacilli are a major cause of pneumonia in patients with PTB on treatment.