Eikenella corrodens infections in children.

Area of Science:

• Medical Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Surgical Infections

Background:

• Improved bacteriologic specimen techniques enhance pathogen identification.
• Rare fastidious organisms are increasingly detected in surgical infections.
• Eikenella corrodens is an emerging pathogen in pediatric surgical cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the incidence and clinical significance of Eikenella corrodens in pediatric surgical infections.
• To highlight the association of Eikenella corrodens with specific types of surgical wounds.
• To outline appropriate management strategies for Eikenella corrodens infections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of pediatric surgical cases over a 5-year period.
• Identification of Eikenella corrodens through bacteriologic culturing.
• Clinical data review for patient demographics, infection sources, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Eikenella corrodens was identified in 28 pediatric patients over 5 years.
• The organism was most frequently isolated from perforated appendices and orally contaminated wounds.
• Eikenella corrodens was often part of polymicrobial infections but also found in pure culture.

Conclusions:

• Eikenella corrodens is an important pathogen in pediatric surgical site infections, particularly those involving oral contamination.
• Effective management necessitates prompt surgical intervention, including debridement of necrotic tissue.
• Extended antibiotic therapy guided by culture and sensitivity testing is crucial for successful treatment and prevention of recurrence.