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Anaerobic pulmonary infections in children

Itzhak Brook1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA. ib6@georgetown.edu

Pediatric Emergency Care
|December 16, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Anaerobic bacteria from the mouth cause serious lung infections in children, often with other bacteria. Treatment requires antibiotics targeting both anaerobic and aerobic pathogens for effective recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Pulmonary infections involving anaerobic bacteria are typically observed in pediatric patients with a history of aspiration.
  • The oropharyngeal region serves as the primary reservoir for anaerobic bacteria, significantly outnumbering aerobic and facultative organisms.
  • Common lower respiratory tract infections associated with anaerobic bacteria include aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess, and empyema.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology and microbiology of anaerobic pulmonary infections in children.
  • To highlight the common clinical presentations and causative anaerobic pathogens.
  • To emphasize the principles of antimicrobial management for these mixed infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on anaerobic pulmonary infections in pediatric populations.
  • Identification of predominant anaerobic bacterial species isolated from lower respiratory tract infections.
  • Discussion of current antimicrobial strategies.

Main Results:

  • Anaerobic pulmonary infections predominantly affect children with aspiration risk factors.
  • The oropharyngeal flora is the main source, with anaerobes outnumbering aerobes.
  • Key isolated anaerobes include Peptostreptococcus, Fusobacterium, Prevotella, Porphyromonas, and Bacteroides fragilis group.
  • These infections often present as polymicrobial, involving both anaerobic and aerobic bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Anaerobic bacteria play a significant role in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in aspirating children.
  • Effective management necessitates antimicrobial agents with broad-spectrum activity against both anaerobic and aerobic pathogens.
  • Understanding the source and common pathogens is crucial for appropriate treatment and improved patient outcomes.

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