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Bacteraemia complicating severe malaria in children.
J Berkley1, S Mwarumba, K Bramham
1Centre for Geographic Medicine Research, Coast, Kilifi, Kenya. kemriklf@africaonline.co.ke
Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|September 24, 1999
Summary
Bacteraemia (bacteria in the blood) is a serious complication in severe childhood malaria. This study found it significantly increases mortality, especially in young children, recommending antibiotic co-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Bacteraemia in severe childhood malaria is infrequently reported.
- Its incidence and clinical significance remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of bacteraemia in Kenyan children with severe malaria.
- To assess the clinical impact and mortality associated with bacteraemia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data.
- Analysis of 783 Kenyan children admitted with severe malaria.
- Calculation of bacteraemia incidence and mortality rates.
Main Results:
- Overall bacteraemia incidence was 7.8%, rising to 12.0% in children under 30 months.
- Bacteraemia was associated with a 3-fold increase in mortality (33.3% vs. 10.4%).
Conclusions:
- Invasive bacterial infection is a significant contributor to severe malaria pathophysiology in children.
- Young children with severe malaria should receive broad-spectrum antibiotics alongside antimalarials.