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Coagulase-negative staphylococci in an HIV-infected child causing pancytopaenia

Rachna Kataria1, Ira Shah

  • 1Pediatric HIV Clinic, B.J. Wadia Hospital for Children, Mumbai, India.

International Journal of STD & AIDS
|September 20, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) can cause infections in immunocompromised individuals. This case highlights CONS-induced pancytopenia in an HIV-infected adolescent, successfully treated with antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Research

Background:

  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) are common human flora.
  • CONS infections typically occur when host defenses are compromised.
  • Limited data exists on CONS pathogenicity in individuals with HIV.

Observation:

  • A 14-year-old boy with HIV presented with pneumonia and a skin abscess.
  • The patient subsequently developed pancytopenia.
  • The pancytopenia was attributed to an underlying CONS infection.

Findings:

  • The patient's pancytopenia resolved following antibiotic therapy.
  • This case demonstrates a rare complication of CONS infection in an HIV-positive adolescent.
  • Successful antibiotic treatment was achieved.

Implications:

  • Highlights the potential for CONS to cause severe infections in HIV-infected patients.
  • Suggests careful monitoring for hematological complications in such cases.
  • Reinforces the importance of appropriate antibiotic selection for CONS infections.
Keywords:
AIDSCONSHIVchildrencoagulase negative staphyloccipaediatricpneumoniaskin and soft tissue infection

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