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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Oral Biofilm Sampling for Microbiome Analysis in Healthy Children
Published on: December 31, 2017
Microbiological profile of haematogenous osteoarticular infections in children
M Trifa1, S Bouchoucha, H Smaoui
1Department of anaesthesia and intensive care, Children's Hospital, Bab Saadoun, 1006 Tunis, Tunisia. mehditrifa@yahoo.fr
Insights
Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of pediatric osteoarticular infections. Most bacteria causing these infections remain susceptible to second-generation cephalosporins, guiding effective treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Orthopedic Surgery
Background:
- Hematogenous osteoarticular infections in children are commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Kingella kingae, and beta-hemolytic streptococcus.
- Understanding the prevalent bacterial agents and their antibiotic susceptibility is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the microbiological profile, including bacterial species and antibiotic susceptibility, of osteoarticular infections in a pediatric hospital.
- To inform and adapt treatment protocols based on local bacterial ecology.
Main Methods:
- Prospective descriptive study of children admitted with acute osteomyelitis or septic arthritis.
- Systematic blood cultures and intraoperative sample collection for bacteriological analysis.
- Antibiotic therapy was initiated and adjusted based on microbiological findings.
Main Results:
- 106 children were included; 35 under 3 years (Group 1) and 71 over 3 years (Group 2).
- Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent isolate in Group 2 (n=40), with six cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
- Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was identified in five neonates from intensive care.
Conclusions:
- Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen identified.
- Except for neonates with intensive care unit (ICU) exposure and community-acquired MRSA infections, isolated bacteria demonstrated susceptibility to second-generation cephalosporins.
Introduction:
Staphylococcus aureus, Kingella kingae and β-hemolytic streptococcus are presently the most frequently identified bacteria in child haematogenous osteoarticular infection.
Objective:
To determine the microbiological profile (bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility) of osteoarticular infections in a paediatric hospital, so as to adapt treatment protocols to the ecology of the bacteria isolated.
Patients And Methods:
Prospective descriptive study, including children admitted for acute osteomyelitis or septic arthritis. A series of blood cultures was performed systematically on admission. In case of surgery, local samples were taken for bacteriology. Antibiotherapy was initiated and subsequently adapted to the bacteriological findings.
Results:
One hundred and six children were included. Thirty-five were under (Group 1) and 71 over 3 years of age (Group 2). Ninety-five underwent surgery. Peroperative samples were positive in 61 cases and blood culture in 23. Bacteria were isolated in 22 patients in G1. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in five neonates who had passed through intensive care. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterium in G2 (n=40), and was methicillin-resistant (MRSA) in six children.
Discussion:
Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism. Other than neonates who had passed through intensive care and the six patients with community-acquired MRSA infection, all isolated bacteria were susceptible to second-generation cephalosporins.
Level Of Evidence:
II, prospective descriptive prognostic study.
