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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
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Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Invasive bacterial infections of children in a rural province in the central Philippines

S P Lupisan1, E Herva, L T Sombrero

  • 1Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, Department of Health, Alabang, Metro Manila, The Philippines.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|October 19, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Invasive bacterial infections in Filipino children under five were primarily caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae. Early childhood immunization against these pathogens is crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Severe pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis are significant threats to children under five.
  • Understanding the causative agents of invasive bacterial infections is vital for effective treatment and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the primary bacterial pathogens responsible for invasive infections in Filipino children under five.
  • To determine the serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae and the types of Haemophilus influenzae causing these infections.
  • To inform immunization strategies for preventing invasive bacterial infections in young children.

Main Methods:

  • A study was conducted on 956 Filipino children under five years old with severe pneumonia, suspected meningitis, or sepsis.
  • Bacterial isolates from blood and cerebrospinal fluid were identified and serotyped/typed.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the most common causes of invasive infections (1.3% each).
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b was predominant in blood and cerebrospinal fluid isolates.
  • Most invasive infections occurred in children under one year of age.

Conclusions:

  • Early childhood immunization against Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae is recommended.
  • Maternal immunization may enhance protection against invasive bacterial infections in infants.
  • Targeting early age groups for vaccination is essential to reduce the burden of these diseases.

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