Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Bacteriologic epidemiology and empirical treatment of pediatric complicated appendicitis

Christelle Guillet-Caruba1, Alaa Cheikhelard, Marlène Guillet

  • 1Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Laboratoire de Microbiologie, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, Paris 75015, France.

Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|March 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Optimizing preoperative antibiotic therapy for complicated appendicitis (CA) in children is crucial. Piperacillin-tazobactam effectively targets common bacteria like Escherichia coli, making it a suitable empirical choice.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Optimal preoperative antibiotic therapy for complicated appendicitis (CA) in children lacks consensus.
  • Preoperative samples are infrequently collected in pediatric CA cases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze clinical and bacteriologic data from children with CA.
  • To guide the optimization of empirical preoperative antibiotic treatment in pediatric CA.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study of 93 children with CA in a French hospital.
  • Phenotypic and molecular techniques for bacterial identification from peritoneal fluids.
  • Evaluation of antibiotic activity against isolated bacteria.

Main Results:

  • Commonly isolated bacteria included Escherichia coli (71%), Streptococcus group milleri (34%), anaerobes (20%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19%).
  • Piperacillin-tazobactam demonstrated activity against 97% of the identified bacteria.
  • A third-generation cephalosporin with metronidazole and an aminoglycoside was identified as a viable alternative.

Conclusions:

  • Piperacillin-tazobactam is a recommended empirical preoperative antibiotic choice for pediatric CA.
  • Antibiotic therapy is an adjunct to surgery, requiring ongoing evaluation based on local bacterial epidemiology.

Related Concept Videos

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:29

Appendicitis-II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Diagnosing and managing appendicitis requires a structured and comprehensive approach that spans from initial assessment to postoperative care. Here is an overview of the process:
Diagnosing Appendicitis
It requires a multifaceted approach, starting with a detailed physical examination to pinpoint the location and nature of the pain and identify any associated symptoms. Laboratory tests play a crucial role. A complete Blood Count (CBC) typically reveals leukocytosis (an increased number of...
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...
Appendicitis01:19

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...
Appendicitis-I: Introduction01:22

Appendicitis-I: Introduction

The appendix, a small, narrow, blind tube extending from the inferior part of the cecum, is widely regarded as a vestigial organ, having lost much of its original function through evolution. Despite its diminished role, the appendix can become inflamed, a condition known as appendicitis.
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...
Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care01:30

Urinary Tract Infection III: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care

A healthcare provider can diagnose a urinary tract infection (UTI) through several methods:Medical History and Symptoms: The provider will take a detailed medical history and ask about symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and lower abdominal pain.Urinalysis: A clean-catch urine sample is collected in a sterile container and tested for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells (leukocytes), nitrites, blood, and protein. The presence of leukocytes and...
Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test01:26

Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test

A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...