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Intrarenal Injection of Escherichia coli in a Rat Model of Pyelonephritis
Published on: July 18, 2017
Escherichia coli cellulitis in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
B I Asmar1, B N Bashour, L E Fleischmann
1Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
Insights
Infections in children with nephrotic syndrome are shifting from Streptococcus pneumoniae to gram-negative bacteria like Escherichia coli. Early broad-spectrum antibiotics are crucial for treating infections in these vulnerable patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Nephrotic syndrome in children presents a high risk for bacterial infections.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae has historically been the most common pathogen.
- Emerging trends indicate a rise in infections caused by encapsulated gram-negative organisms.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in relapse are presented.
- Both patients developed spontaneous Escherichia coli cellulitis.
- Escherichia coli was identified in cellulitis aspirate and blood cultures.
Findings:
- Escherichia coli can cause spontaneous cellulitis in children with nephrotic syndrome.
- Prompt and appropriate antibiotic therapy led to positive patient outcomes.
- The study highlights a potential shift in causative pathogens for infections in this population.
Implications:
- Clinical management of nephrotic syndrome patients with infections should consider gram-negative pathogens.
- Broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage is recommended for suspected sepsis, peritonitis, or cellulitis pending culture results.
- This underscores the need for updated guidelines on empirical antibiotic treatment in pediatric nephrotic syndrome.
Abstract:
Although Streptococcus pneumoniae is traditionally considered the preponderant bacterial pathogen in children with nephrotic syndrome, recent data suggest an increase of infections with encapsulated gram-negative organisms. We report two children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in relapse who developed spontaneous Escherichia coli cellulitis. The organism was recovered from the cellulitis tissue aspirate of one, and from the blood of the other. Both patients responded to appropriate antibiotic therapy. Initial treatment of sepsis, peritonitis or spontaneous cellulitis in nephrotic patients should include broad spectrum antibiotic coverage pending results of appropriate cultures.
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