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Opportunistic infections in pediatrics: when to suspect and how to approach

Maria Isabel de Moraes-Pinto1, Maria Aparecida Gadiani Ferrarini1

  • 1Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Departamento de Pediatria, Disciplina de Infectologia Pediátrica, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Jornal De Pediatria
|December 3, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric opportunistic infections require early suspicion and treatment. Prompt diagnosis and specialist consultation are crucial for improving outcomes in these severe, rapidly evolving diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Immunocompromised Host Infections

Background:

  • Opportunistic infections (OIs) pose significant risks to pediatric patients, particularly those with weakened immune systems.
  • OIs can be caused by various pathogens, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria, fungi, and Herpesvirae, and are prevalent in children using immunobiological agents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To delineate the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for opportunistic infections in pediatric populations.
  • To highlight the challenges and necessary steps for effective management of OIs in children.

Main Methods:

  • A non-systematic literature review was conducted using studies from the PubMed database.
  • Analysis focused on OIs caused by specific pathogens and in immunocompromised children.

Main Results:

  • Early diagnostic suspicion, guided by clinical assessment and patient history, is paramount due to the rapid progression of these severe diseases.
  • Collection of clinical samples (secretions, blood, tissues) and timely initiation of therapy are essential components of management.

Conclusions:

  • Despite diagnostic advancements, opportunistic infections remain a challenge for pediatricians unfamiliar with these conditions.
  • Raising clinical suspicion, initiating prompt treatment, and seeking specialist input are vital for improving outcomes and reducing the high mortality associated with pediatric OIs.
Abstract

Keywords:
Alpha tumor necrosis factorCandidiasisCandidíaseFator de necrose tumoral alfaFungemiaHerpeviridae imunobiológicosImmunobiological herpesviridaeInfecções por mycobacteriumMycobacterium infections

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