Bacteriological Study of Sputum in Adult Respiratory Tract Infection: A Study from Eastern India

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is one of the commonest community acquired infections. The incidence and severity varies between children and adults but it is a significant cause of both outdoor visits and hospital admissions in all age groups. Indian studies have consistently shown that RTI constitutes a major disease burden in both rural and urban areas [1]. The incidence and morbidity of RTI is more in children, especially in the under-5 age group. But for adults too, this is a major cause of medical consultation. Data from UK general practice clinics have shown that up to 25% of the adult population visit their GP clinic each year for an episode of RTI