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Epidemiology of bloodstream infections in children with sickle cell disease

Angela M Ellison1, Kaede V Ota, Karin L McGowan

  • 1Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. ellisona@email.chop.edu

The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|January 24, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The incidence of invasive Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b infections has decreased in children with sickle cell disease. However, central venous access device infections are a growing concern for bloodstream infections in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Hematology
  • Vaccinology

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) increases susceptibility to invasive bacterial infections.
  • The introduction of conjugate vaccines has significantly impacted the epidemiology of common bacterial pathogens in SCD.
  • Understanding current infectious disease trends is crucial for managing SCD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the predominant pathogens causing bloodstream infections in pediatric SCD patients.
  • To assess the impact of the post-heptavalent conjugate vaccine era on infection patterns.
  • To highlight emerging infectious disease challenges in SCD management.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of bloodstream infection data.
  • Identification of causative organisms using standard microbiological techniques.
  • Comparison of infection rates before and after the widespread use of heptavalent conjugate vaccines.

Main Results:

  • A decline in invasive infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b.
  • Identification of other bacterial species as significant causes of bloodstream infections.
  • An increasing trend of central venous access device-associated infections.

Conclusions:

  • The landscape of bloodstream infections in pediatric SCD has shifted post-vaccination.
  • Central venous access device infections represent a new and significant challenge.
  • Ongoing surveillance and updated preventive strategies are necessary for SCD patients.

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