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Bacterial colonisation and infection in spina bifida babies

E C Moorhouse1, W Farrell1, M Archer1

  • 1St. Laurence's Hospital, Dublin 7.

Irish Journal of Medical Science
|August 13, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Babies with spina bifida often harbor potentially pathogenic bacteria in various body sites. However, serious infections beyond the urinary tract and brain were infrequent in this study.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Spina bifida is a complex congenital condition requiring specialized care.
  • Babies with spina bifida may have increased susceptibility to infections due to anatomical abnormalities and medical interventions.
  • Understanding the microbiological landscape in these infants is crucial for infection prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the bacteriological colonization patterns in infants with spina bifida.
  • To determine the incidence of infections in relation to microbial colonization in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted bacteriological investigations on 17 infants diagnosed with spina bifida.
  • Sampled various body sites including eyes, nose, throat, skin, umbilicus, wounds, urine, and feces.
  • Monitored for the presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms.

Main Results:

  • Potentially pathogenic microorganisms were frequently found colonizing multiple body sites.
  • Despite widespread colonization, infections were relatively uncommon.
  • Urinary tract and brain infections were the primary sites of observed infections.

Conclusions:

  • Colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms is common in babies with spina bifida.
  • The presence of bacteria does not invariably lead to infection in these infants.
  • Clinical vigilance for urinary tract and brain infections is essential in neonates with spina bifida.

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