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Streptococcus bovis Infection in young Infants
Jeffrey S Gerber1, Mary Glas, Gary Frank
1Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Invasive Streptococcus bovis infections are rare in infants. This study found gastrointestinal issues were common in affected infants, and the mortality rate may be lower than previously thought.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infectious diseases
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology of Streptococcus bovis
Background:
- Invasive Streptococcus bovis (S. bovis) disease is infrequently reported in neonates.
- Limited data exists on the clinical presentation and predisposing factors for S. bovis infections in infants.
Observation:
- A case series of seven infants with S. bovis infection treated at two children's hospitals.
- Literature review of 23 additional pediatric S. bovis cases.
- Comparison of clinical features and outcomes between the case series and literature review.
Findings:
- S. bovis meningitis and bacteremia were the most common diagnoses in infants.
- Gastrointestinal disturbance, including abdominal distention, was a frequent symptom in the case series (71%) compared to literature cases (10%).
- The mortality rate in the case series was 0%, potentially lower than previously reported (26% in literature).
Implications:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms may indicate S. bovis infection in infants.
- Early recognition and treatment could improve outcomes for invasive S. bovis infections in neonates.
- Further research is needed to understand predisposing factors and optimize management strategies.
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