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Recovery of anaerobic bacteria from four children with postthoracotomy sternal wound infection
1Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. dribrook@yahoo.com
Abstract:
The cases of 4 children who developed postthoracotomy sternal wound infection caused by anaerobic bacteria are presented. The predominate anaerobes were Peptostreptococcus species and pigmented Prevotella species. Polymicrobial infection was present in all cases, and aerobic bacteria also were recovered in 2 instances. All patients responded to surgical debridement and antimicrobials effective against the isolated aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. These findings highlight the potential importance of anaerobic bacteria in postthoracotomy sternal wound infection.
Insights
Anaerobic bacteria, including Peptostreptococcus and Prevotella species, can cause sternal wound infections after thoracotomy in children. Prompt surgical debridement and targeted antimicrobials effectively treated these polymicrobial infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Postthoracotomy sternal wound infections (SWIs) are serious complications.
- The role of anaerobic bacteria in pediatric SWIs is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases of pediatric postthoracotomy SWIs caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- To highlight the significance of anaerobic pathogens in these infections.
Main Methods:
- Case series presentation of 4 pediatric patients.
- Identification of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria from wound cultures.
- Review of treatment strategies and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- All 4 patients developed SWIs post-thoracotomy.
- Predominant anaerobes identified were Peptostreptococcus and pigmented Prevotella species.
- Polymicrobial infections were present in all cases; aerobic bacteria were found in 2 cases.
Conclusions:
- Anaerobic bacteria are potential pathogens in pediatric postthoracotomy SWIs.
- Surgical debridement combined with appropriate antimicrobial therapy is effective.
- Consideration of anaerobic coverage is important for treating these infections.