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Published on: August 12, 2020

Persistent Staphylococcus capitis septicemia in a preterm infant

Pak C Ng1, Viola C Y Chow, Cheuk H Lee

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. pakcheungng@cuhk.edu.hk

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|June 29, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Persistent Staphylococcus capitis septicemia in a preterm infant was successfully treated with rifampin and linezolid. This combination therapy, alongside nutritional support, offers an alternative when standard treatments fail for Gram-positive infections.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • * Neonatal sepsis poses a significant challenge, particularly persistent infections.
  • * Staphylococcus capitis is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly recognized in healthcare settings.
  • * Refractory Gram-positive septicemia requires exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.

Observation:

  • * A preterm infant presented with persistent Staphylococcus capitis septicemia, confirmed by 11 positive blood cultures over 33 days.
  • * Clinical indicators suggested a gastrointestinal origin for the persistent infection.
  • * Standard antimicrobial regimens proved insufficient for eradicating the pathogen.

Findings:

  • * A combination therapy of rifampin and linezolid was administered.
  • * Prolonged cessation of enteral feeding was implemented concurrently with antibiotic treatment.
  • * This combined approach successfully eradicated the Staphylococcus capitis septicemia.

Implications:

  • * Rifampin and linezolid represent a viable alternative treatment for persistent Gram-positive infections, including Staphylococcus capitis septicemia.
  • * This therapeutic option should be considered when glycopeptides are ineffective.
  • * Management of refractory neonatal sepsis may benefit from tailored antimicrobial combinations and nutritional support.

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