Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 26, 2026

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis
08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Serious bacterial infections in infants who have experienced an apparent life-threatening event

Manoj K Mittal1, Frances S Shofer, Jill M Baren

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4399, USA. mittal@email.chop.edu

Annals of Emergency Medicine
|February 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Serious bacterial infections are rare in infants with apparent life-threatening events. Routine full evaluations for serious bacterial infection are not necessary for these infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • Apparent life-threatening events (ALTEs) in infants often prompt extensive diagnostic evaluations.
  • The risk of serious bacterial infection (SBI) in infants presenting with ALTEs requires careful assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of SBI in infants presenting to the emergency department (ED) with an ALTE.
  • To evaluate the necessity of routine SBI evaluations in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of infants under 12 months with ALTEs at an urban children's hospital ED.
  • Data collection included sociodemographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, hospital course, and diagnosis.
  • Follow-up at 4 weeks ensured diagnostic accuracy and ascertainment.

Main Results:

  • 198 infants were enrolled; 44 underwent SBI evaluation (urine, blood, CSF cultures).
  • No infant (0%) had bacteremia, UTI, or bacterial meningitis.
  • Two infants were diagnosed with enteroviral meningitis.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of SBI in infants with ALTEs is extremely low.
  • Routine, comprehensive SBI evaluations may not be necessary for infants presenting with ALTEs.
  • Clinical guidelines may be revised to reduce unnecessary testing in this cohort.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat08:27

Non-Invasive Model of Neuropathogenic Escherichia coli Infection in the Neonatal Rat

Published on: October 29, 2014

Related Concept Videos

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
Bacterial Gastroenteritis01:18

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Bacterial gastroenteritis, characterized by diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and vomiting, is often caused by ingestion of contaminated food or water and is frequently associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli strains. These microbes exploit two principal mechanisms to inflict disease.Shiga toxin–producing E. coli, also referred to as STEC—notably O157:H7—release Shiga toxins that target ribosomes, blocking protein synthesis. The B subunit of the toxin binds the host glycolipid receptor...
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...