Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 2, 2026

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature
11:40

Humanized Mouse Model to Study Bacterial Infections Targeting the Microvasculature

Published on: April 1, 2014

Viridans streptococci bacteraemia in children with fever and neutropenia: a case-control study of predisposing

H Paganini1, V Staffolani, P Zubizarreta

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, Hospital de Pediatri;a Profesor Dr. Juan P. Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina. hpaganini@intramed.net.ar

European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|May 24, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Viridans streptococci (VS) infections are rising in children with cancer and neutropenia. High-dose cytosine-arabinoside chemotherapy and pneumonia independently predict VS bloodstream infections in this vulnerable group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Viridans streptococci (VS) are an emerging cause of bloodstream infections in neutropenic cancer patients.
  • Limited data exists on predisposing factors for VS infections in pediatric oncology patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors for Viridans streptococci (VS) bloodstream infections in children with cancer and neutropenia.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study analyzed 168 episodes of bloodstream infections in 161 pediatric oncology patients (January 1989-December 1999).
  • 15 episodes were caused by VS; each case was matched with six controls (other Gram-positive cocci, Gram-negative bacilli, or no bacteremia).
  • Multivariate analysis identified independent predictors for VS bacteremia.

Main Results:

  • The median age of patients was 4.1 years; 87% had acute leukemia or lymphomas.
  • Pneumonia was the most common clinical focus (70%), and shock occurred in 13% of patients.
  • High-dose cytosine-arabinoside (ARA-C) chemotherapy (OR: 9.3) and pneumonia (OR: 1.36) were independent predictors of VS bacteremia.

Conclusions:

  • High-dose cytosine-arabinoside (ARA-C) chemotherapy and the presence of pneumonia are significant risk factors for Viridans streptococci bloodstream infections in pediatric cancer patients.
  • Further research is warranted to validate these findings and inform preventative strategies.

More Related Videos

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization10:19

A Murine Model of Group B Streptococcus Vaginal Colonization

Published on: November 16, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
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...
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
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 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...