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Purpura in occult pneumococcal bacteremia
Clinical Pediatrics
|February 1, 1984
Summary
Occult pneumococcal bacteremia, a rare condition, can present solely as ascending purpura in infants. This case highlights a unique clinical manifestation of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriology
Background:
- Occult bacteremia refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream without an obvious source of infection.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common cause of bacterial infections in children, typically presenting with respiratory symptoms or meningitis.
Observation:
- A 4-month-old female infant presented with ascending purpura on her lower extremities as the sole abnormal physical finding.
- Initial laboratory tests, including complete blood count and basic metabolic panel, were within normal limits.
Findings:
- Blood cultures obtained at presentation yielded Streptococcus pneumoniae, serotype 6, within 18 hours.
- The same bacterial serotype was subsequently isolated from the infant's nasopharynx, suggesting a potential portal of entry.
Implications:
- This case represents the first documented instance of occult pneumococcal bacteremia manifesting primarily as purpura in humans.
- The existence of a well-defined animal model for this entity may facilitate further research into its pathogenesis and treatment.