Definition and pathogenesis of protracted bacterial bronchitis in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) is a common cause of children with chronic wet cough.Original microbiologic-based case of PBB was defined as wet cough (＞ 4 weeks) without signs of another cause,bacterial pathogens growing and quantitative culture ≥ 107 cfu/L in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and cough resolved following a 2-week course of an appropriate oral antibiotics (usually amoxicillin-clavulanate).In recent years,clinical-based case definition of PBB,refractory PBB and recurrent PBB have been proposed to increase its clinical applicability.At present,the pathogenesis of PBB including biofilm formation,impaired airway muco-ciliary clearance,neutrophil inflammation,immune dysfunction and inappropriate use of antibiotics.