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Acute Focal Bacterial Nephritis Caused by Staphylococcus simulans
Masato Shishido1, Hiroki Kitaoka1,2, Keiko Watanabe1
1Department of Pediatrics, Yaizu City Hospital, Yaizu-shi, JPN.
Cureus
|December 12, 2022
Summary
A toddler developed acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) caused by Staphylococcus simulans, a rare farm animal pathogen. Prompt antibiotic adjustment led to successful treatment, highlighting the need for vigilance with unusual pathogens in AFBN.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Acute focal bacterial nephritis (AFBN) is a kidney infection typically treated with standard antibiotics.
- Urinary tract infections in toddlers require prompt diagnosis and management.
- Staphylococcus simulans is a coagulase-negative staphylococci species commonly found in farm animals.
Observation:
- A toddler girl presented with a five-day fever and diagnosed with AFBN.
- Initial treatment with ampicillin and cefmetazole was ineffective.
- Methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) were detected in urine culture on day five.
Findings:
- The pathogen was identified as Staphylococcus (S.) simulans, a known animal pathogen.
- Antibiotic therapy was switched to vancomycin, completing a 21-day course.
- The patient experienced no fever recurrence and showed clinical improvement.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider S. simulans as a potential cause of AFBN, even without a history of farm animal contact.
- Early identification and appropriate antibiotic selection are crucial for treating rare pathogens in AFBN.
- This case underscores the importance of considering zoonotic origins for pediatric infections.
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