Identification of bacteria from sputum specimens of pneumonia patients based on age and gender at Jenderal Ahmad Yani regional hospital, metro city

Pneumonia is an airborne infectious disease that poses a serious global health threat. One of the high-risk groups for pneumonia includes infants and the elderly aged 65 years and above. In elderly patients, pneumonia is often associated with severe complications and can lead to death. Although various efforts have been made to prevent and treat pneumonia, the infection rate remains high. This study aims to identify the types of bacteria found in sputum specimens from pneumonia patients based on age and gender at RSUD Jenderal Ahmad Yani Kota Metro. The research is descriptive in nature and uses a survey method based on available data and specimens from the hospital. The data obtained from bacterial identification were analyzed descriptively and presented in tables and figures. The results showed that out of 22 sputum specimens, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were found. Ten specimens tested positive for Gram-positive bacteria, while twelve showed Gram-negative bacteria. The most frequently identified bacterial species were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Klebsiella pneumoniae was predominantly found in female patients, while Staphylococcus aureus was more common in male patients. Patients aged over 60 were more susceptible to Gram-negative bacterial infections. These findings provide initial insights into the bacterial profiles associated with pneumonia and are expected to support more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.