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Clonal structure of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing children with sickle cell anaemia and healthy controls

F Schaumburg1, B Biallas, A S Alabi

  • 1Medical Research Unit, Albert Schweitzer Hospital Lambaréné, Lambaréné, Gabon. frieder.schaumburg@ukmuenster.de

Epidemiology and Infection
|October 12, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) and healthy children carry similar rates of Staphylococcus aureus. This suggests community transmission, meaning healthy population data can inform SCA treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Children with sickle cell anaemia (SCA) experience frequent hospitalizations and antibiotic use, increasing risk for hospital-associated bacterial infections.
  • Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen that can cause significant morbidity in vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare Staphylococcus aureus carriage rates and genotypes between children with SCA and healthy children in Gabon.
  • To determine if SCA patients harbor distinct bacterial strains compared to the general pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gabon.
  • Staphylococcus aureus carriage was assessed in children with SCA (n=73) and healthy controls (n=143).
  • Genotyping was performed on S. aureus isolates to compare bacterial lineages between groups.

Main Results:

  • S. aureus carriage prevalence was similar in children with SCA (46.6%) and healthy controls (46.9%).
  • Both groups shared comparable S. aureus genotypes, indicating community-level transmission.
  • No significant difference in carriage rates was observed between SCA patients and matched controls.

Conclusions:

  • Sickle cell anaemia does not appear to increase the risk of carrying specific Staphylococcus aureus strains compared to healthy children.
  • Transmission of S. aureus occurs within the community, affecting both SCA patients and healthy children.
  • Population-based resistance data from healthy children can guide the treatment and prophylaxis of endogenous S. aureus infections in children with SCA.

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