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Shigella flexneri sepsis in an infant
Ju-Bei Yen1, Kuei-Wen Chang, Tsu-Lan Wu
1Department of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Chang Gung Medical Journal
|November 12, 2003
Summary
Shigella flexneri sepsis can occur in infants, even with mild symptoms like diarrhea. Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment are crucial due to rising drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Shigellosis is a significant public health concern globally, exacerbated by increased travel and trade.
- The infection requires a low bacterial inoculum and shows increasing trends of multidrug resistance, complicating prevention and treatment.
- Shigella species are a common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis and can lead to severe systemic infections.
Observation:
- A case of a 7-month-old infant presenting with Shigella flexneri sepsis, characterized by high fever, watery diarrhea, and dehydration.
- The infant received a 7-day course of ceftriaxone, resulting in a successful clinical outcome.
- This presentation highlights the potential severity of Shigella infections in young children.
Findings:
- Shigella flexneri was identified as the causative agent of sepsis in the infant.
- Ceftriaxone demonstrated efficacy in treating the Shigella flexneri sepsis.
- The case underscores the importance of considering Shigella in the differential diagnosis of sepsis in infants, especially those with a history of travel to or residence in endemic areas.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers should include Shigella in the differential diagnosis for infants presenting with sepsis and diarrhea, particularly in those with relevant travel or geographic exposure.
- The emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella necessitates careful consideration of antimicrobial therapy selection and treatment duration.
- Prompt recognition and effective antibiotic management are vital for improving outcomes in pediatric Shigella sepsis cases.