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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
Published on: February 9, 2011
[Aerobic bacteria associated with acute appendicitis in children]
1Service d'anesthésie-réanimation, hôpital d'Enfants, Bab Saadoun 1006, Tunis, Tunisie. mehditrifa@yahoo.fr
Annales Francaises D'Anesthesie Et De Reanimation
|December 6, 2008
Summary
This study found aerobic bacteria in 70% of pediatric appendicitis cases, primarily Gram-negative bacilli like E. coli. Empiric antibiotic treatment should target these common aerobic pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute appendicitis is a common surgical emergency in children.
- Understanding the microbiological landscape is crucial for effective treatment.
- Previous studies show varied bacterial profiles in pediatric appendicitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the microbiological profile of acute appendicitis in children.
- To identify the predominant aerobic bacteria and their antibiotic resistance patterns.
- To inform empiric antibiotic strategies for pediatric appendicitis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective descriptive study of children hospitalized for acute appendicitis.
- Intraoperative collection of appendice and peritoneal exudate specimens.
- Aerobic bacteriological examination of specimens; anaerobic culture was not performed.
Main Results:
- Eighty children were included in the study.
- Aerobic bacteria were isolated in 70% of cases (56/80).
- Gram-negative bacilli were most common (64/70), with Escherichia coli identified in 48 children. Antibiotic resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefazolin was 35%.
Conclusions:
- Aerobic bacteria, particularly Gram-negative bacilli, are prevalent in pediatric acute appendicitis.
- Empiric antibiotic therapy should be tailored to cover common Gram-negative pathogens.
- Further research could explore the role of anaerobic bacteria in pediatric appendicitis.
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