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Acute haematogenous osteomyelitis: microbial conversion and unusual age presentation
1Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, University of Basra, Basra, Iraq.
Insights
Haematogenous osteomyelitis incidence and causative organisms shifted significantly between 1983-1989 and 1992-1997. Staphylococcus aureus remained common, but affected age groups changed, possibly due to socioeconomic factors.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Haematogenous osteomyelitis is a serious bone infection, primarily affecting children.
- Understanding shifts in causative pathogens and patient demographics is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiological characteristics of haematogenous osteomyelitis before and after the Gulf conflict.
- To identify changes in the most common causative organism and the age distribution of affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 110 cases (1983-1989) and prospective analysis of 80 cases (1992-1997).
- Identification of causative bacteria, primarily Staphylococcus aureus.
- Analysis of patient age at presentation.
Main Results:
- In 1983-1989, infants under 1 year were most affected; no adults were reported. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was isolated in 72.7% of cases.
- In 1992-1997, children aged 9 years were most affected, with 19 adult cases. S. aureus was isolated in 43.7% of cases.
- Significant differences in S. aureus incidence and age presentation were observed between the two periods.
Conclusions:
- The epidemiology of haematogenous osteomyelitis has changed, with altered age distribution and a decrease in S. aureus prevalence.
- Socioeconomic factors, such as working children and malnutrition, may contribute to these observed epidemiological shifts.
Abstract:
From 1983 to 1989, 110 cases of haematogenous osteomyelitis were studied retrospectively. The most commonly affected were children under 1 year. No adult cases were reported. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 72.7% of cases. During 1992-1997, 80 cases were studied prospectively. The most commonly affected were children aged 9 years. This group included 19 adults. S. aureus was isolated from 43.7% of the cases. There was a clear difference in the incidence of S. aureus and age presentation in the cases before and after the Gulf conflict. Working children and malnutrition might have caused changes in the infecting organisms and age presentation in recent years.