Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is a major pathogen in pediatric pneumonia. Procalcitonin (PCT) distinguishes between gram positive and gram negative infections but lacks data on Klebsiella pneumoniae infection's relationship with PCT levels in children. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between Klebsiella pneumoniae infection and serum PCT levels in children with severe bacterial pneumonia.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study included pediatric patients aged 2-59 months with severe bacterial pneumonia and positive cultures from June to December 2024. Blood and sputum tested for PCT and culture within 24 hours. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to assess the association of PCT with the incidence of Klebsiella pneumonia. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine the cut off of PCT based on the bacterial species Klebsiella pneumoniae. The significance was determined with p<0>

Results: Among the 61 pediatric patients included, Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified in 33%. The median PCT level in the Klebsiella pneumoniae group was significantly higher than in the non-Klebsiella pneumoniae group (p < 0 p=0.002). >

Conclusion: Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in pediatric severe bacterial pneumonia is significantly associated with higher serum PCT levels.