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Osteomyelitis, Venous Thrombosis, and Septic Emboli in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report
Pablo Jordà Gómez1,2,3,4,5, Nieves Vanaclocha1,2,3,4,5, Joan Ferràs Tarrago1,2,3,4,5
1Pablo Jordà Gómez, MD, is a orthopaedic surgery resident at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery, Hospital Universitari i Politécnic La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Insights
Early diagnosis of aggressive Staphylococcus aureus infections in children is crucial. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive strains can cause severe, life-threatening conditions like osteomyelitis and septic emboli.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Emergence of new virulence factors like Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) in pediatric Staphylococcus aureus infections.
- PVL increases bacterial aggressiveness and dissemination risk, leading to life-threatening outcomes.
- Early diagnosis is critical for managing severe pediatric infections.
Abstract:
New virulence factors, such as the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), are appearing during Staphylococcus aureus infections occurring in the pediatric population. Such factors increase the aggressiveness and risk of dissemination of the bacteria, causing infections to be life-threatening. An early diagnosis is thus especially important. We present a case of osteomyelitis, venous thrombosis, and septic emboli occurring in a pediatric patient that should trigger suspicion of a PVL-positive strain. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to enable rapid diagnosis and early treatment, which is essential for successful management of these infections. Management is based on broad-spectrum antibiotics, in combination with aggressive surgical treatment and antithrombotic therapy. In patients infected with S. aureus whose condition worsens quickly, PVL gene sequencing should be considered.
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