Bacteraemia in children

Madhu Sharma1, Nidhi Goel, Uma Chaudhary

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Pt. B.D. Sharma, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, India.

Insights

Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Klebsiella, were the primary cause of bloodstream infections (bacteremia) in children. Sulbactam/cefoperazone showed high sensitivity against these multidrug-resistant organisms.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Bacteremia in children poses a significant health risk, necessitating understanding of causative agents and their antibiotic susceptibility.
  • Sepsis in pediatric populations requires prompt diagnosis and effective antimicrobial treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the etiology of bacteremia in children aged 0 days to 14 years.
  • To analyze the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of bacterial isolates from pediatric bloodstream infections.

Main Methods:

  • Blood cultures were performed on 4,368 children suspected of fever and sepsis over 13 months.
  • Bacterial isolates were identified using conventional methods.
  • Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted using the modified Stokes method.

Main Results:

  • 1,001 cases (22.9%) yielded positive blood cultures, with a 33.94% incidence in neonates.
  • Gram-negative organisms predominated (88.8%), with Klebsiella (47.1%) being the most common, followed by Salmonella sp. and Pseudomonas.
  • Sulbactam/cefoperazone demonstrated high efficacy (98.2%) against all isolates, while linezolid was most effective for Gram-positive isolates (99.0%).

Conclusions:

  • Gram-negative multidrug-resistant organisms are the leading cause of pediatric septicemia.
  • Careful selection of antibiotic therapy is crucial for managing pediatric bacteremia.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...