[Pneumococcal cellulitis]

A Kassa1, W Handrick, F B Spencker

  • 1Kinderklinik des Bereiches Medizin der Universität Leipzig.

Kinderarztliche Praxis
|December 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Streptococcus pneumoniae rarely causes cellulitis in children and adults. This case report details facial cellulitis in an infant due to pneumococci, reviewing similar cases and discussing diagnosis and treatment challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Bacterial Pathogenesis

Background:

  • Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection.
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is a well-known pathogen, primarily causing respiratory infections.
  • Pneumococcal cellulitis is infrequently documented in pediatric and adult populations.

Observation:

  • A case of facial cellulitis in an infant caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae is presented.
  • A comprehensive review of previously reported pediatric and adult cases since 1975 was conducted.

Findings:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae is an uncommon cause of cellulitis, particularly in infants.
  • Analysis of reported cases highlights key clinical features and epidemiological patterns.
  • Diagnostic challenges and therapeutic considerations for pneumococcal cellulitis are identified.

Implications:

  • Increased awareness of Streptococcus pneumoniae as a potential cause of cellulitis is warranted, especially in specific pediatric populations.
  • Further research may elucidate optimal diagnostic and treatment strategies for this rare infection.
  • Understanding the spectrum of pneumococcal disease beyond respiratory infections is crucial for comprehensive patient care.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology01:29

Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment01:30

Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment

Pneumonia poses the potential for numerous complications that warrant consideration. These complications include the following:
Pneumonia IV: Management01:28

Pneumonia IV: Management

The treatment of pneumonia varies based on its severity and the causative pathogen. Here is a structured approach to managing pneumonia, integrating pharmaceutical and supportive care strategies.
Bacterial Pneumonia Treatment
For bacterial pneumonia, antibiotics serve as the cornerstone of therapy. Initial treatment often begins with empirical antibiotics, tailored to the anticipated causative organism and adjusted based on culture results. Key antibiotic choices include:
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...