Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
12:18
Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus MRSA
Published on: February 9, 2011
23.0K
Pediatric Community-Acquired Brain Abscesses: A Single-center Retrospective Study
Kevin Hai-Ning Lu1, Nora Bruns1, Christina Pentek1
1From the Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology.
The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal
|March 7, 2024
Summary
Community-acquired brain abscesses in children require empirical treatment. Staphylococcus aureus is a common pathogen, suggesting its inclusion in treatment guidelines for pediatric brain abscesses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Neurology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Community-acquired brain abscesses are serious infections in children.
- Current European guidelines recommend specific antibiotics for empirical treatment.
- The role of Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric brain abscesses requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in pediatric community-acquired brain abscesses.
- To evaluate the adequacy of current empirical antibiotic recommendations.
- To inform optimal empirical treatment strategies for pediatric brain abscesses.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 53 pediatric patients diagnosed with community-acquired brain abscesses.
- Identification and analysis of causative pathogens.
- Review of empirical treatment regimens used.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified as a causative pathogen in 21% of cases.
- This highlights a significant prevalence of S. aureus in this pediatric cohort.
- Current empirical therapies may not consistently cover this important pathogen.
Conclusions:
- Empirical antibiotic therapy for pediatric community-acquired brain abscesses should consider coverage for Staphylococcus aureus.
- Adjusting treatment guidelines may improve outcomes for children with brain abscesses.
- Further research is warranted to refine antibiotic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
859
Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
859
01:18Viral Meningitis
217
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
217
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
31
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
31
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
45
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
45
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
47
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
47