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Abstract:
The results of 3,037 blood cultures taken from hospitalized children during 1977 are reviewed, and 171 patients were considered to have bacteraemia whilst 67 were considered to have contaminants. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp were found to be the most common organisms associated with 80% of the observed bacteraemias. H. influenzae and groups B and D streptococci were more often isolated in young children (less than 3 years). Group D streptococcal bacteria occurred more in newborns and patients with congenital anomalies. H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae bacteraemias were frequently associated with the presence of a foci of infection. Elevated temperature and an absolute differential cell count, were present in 75% of the patients with bacteraemia.
Insights
In 1977, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the most common causes of bloodstream infections in hospitalized children. These bacteria, along with Staphylococcus aureus, accounted for 80% of cases, with specific pathogens more prevalent in younger age groups.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Bloodstream infections (bacteremia) are a significant concern in hospitalized children.
- Identifying common pathogens and associated risk factors is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the etiological agents and clinical characteristics of bacteremia in hospitalized children during 1977.
- To determine the prevalence of specific microorganisms and their association with patient demographics and clinical findings.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 3,037 blood cultures from hospitalized children in 1977.
- Categorization of positive cultures into bacteremia (171 patients) and contaminants (67 patients).
- Identification of common bacterial pathogens and analysis of their distribution based on age and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- The most frequent pathogens causing bacteremia were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus spp., accounting for 80% of cases.
- Haemophilus influenzae and group B and D streptococci were more common in children under 3 years old.
- Group D streptococci were also observed more frequently in newborns and those with congenital anomalies. Bacteremia caused by H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae often correlated with a defined focus of infection.
- Fever and elevated absolute differential cell counts were present in 75% of patients with bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae were the predominant pathogens in pediatric bacteremia in 1977.
- Age and congenital anomalies are associated with specific bacterial isolates in pediatric bloodstream infections.
- Clinical signs like fever and elevated white blood cell counts are common indicators of bacteremia in children.