Epidemiology of and risk factors for Acinetobacter species bloodstream infection in children

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Shana C Segal1, Theoklis E Zaoutis, Jessica Kagen

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|September 29, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Acinetobacter bloodstream infections (BSI) are an underrecognized issue in children. These infections are more likely to develop in the home setting, particularly in males with malignancy or renal failure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter species are a growing cause of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections (BSI) in adults.
  • Limited data exists on the development and characteristics of Acinetobacter spp. BSI in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with Acinetobacter spp. BSI in children.
  • To compare Acinetobacter spp. BSI cases with those caused by other Gram-negative rods in a pediatric tertiary care setting.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective case-control study was conducted from January 2000 to July 2005.
  • 92 pediatric patients with Acinetobacter spp. BSI were compared to 156 patients with non-Acinetobacter Gram-negative rod BSI.

Main Results:

  • Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 7% of Gram-negative rod BSI in children.
  • Risk factors for Acinetobacter spp. BSI included home-acquired infections (OR=3.58), male gender (OR=2.25), solid malignancy (OR=4.23), and renal failure (OR=5.16).
  • Antibiotic resistance varied, with 47% nonsusceptible to cefotaxime, 3% to imipenem, and 3% to ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions:

  • Acinetobacter spp. represent an underreported cause of endemic BSI in children.
  • Pediatric patients with Acinetobacter spp. BSI are more likely to acquire infections in the home environment compared to other Gram-negative rod BSI.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms07:41

Quantification, Viability Assessment, and Visualization Strategies for Acinetobacter Biofilms

Published on: August 4, 2023

Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures01:22

Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures

Essential infection prevention measures are based on the knowledge of the infection chain, the modes of transmission in healthcare settings, and the use of the best practices in all healthcare settings. Compulsory public reporting of healthcare-associated infection rates is needed to allow individuals and the community to make informed choices regarding selecting a healthcare facility.
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA01:25

Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance in MRSA

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria arises when microorganisms evolve the ability to withstand drugs designed to kill them or inhibit their growth, rendering once-effective treatments useless. This phenomenon, driven by genetic change and selection under antibiotic exposure, poses a profound threat to modern medicine. Mechanisms include drug-inactivating enzymes (e.g., β-lactamases), efflux pumps that eject antibiotics, mutations altering antibiotic targets, decreased drug uptake, and acquisition...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...