[Children's soft tissue infections in tropical countries. Prospective study in Mayotte]

In France and Europe, soft tissue infections are secondary to chickenpox infection. In tropical countries, soft tissue infections seem to be different and are more frequent. We conducted a prospective and descriptive study in children hospitalised for cellulitis. We studied characteristics of our population and we tried to individualize risk factors for deep soft tissue infections. 54 children were included over a six-month period. Blood cultures were positive in 10% and local culture in 62%. Pathogenic organisms to be found, were first Staphylococcus aureus (78%) and secondly alpha-haemolytic streptococcus. Average rate hospitalisation was 4.5 days (1-28). Despite intravenous antibiotherapy, more than one third of patients had had a deep soft tissue infection (myositis, abscess, or arthritis). As regards the overall population, deep soft tissue infections associated with cellulitis were more frequent in children over six. Association with arthritis was found only in children under two. Severe malnutrition seems to be a notable risk factor for myositis. Soft tissue infections are still frequent in tropical countries. Deep soft tissue infections are encountered in more than one third of the cases, specially in children over six, and with Staphylococcus aureus. These results justify a systematic hospitalisation. If severe malnutrition is present, association with myositis should be suspected.