Related Experiment Videos
Bacteremia in hospitalized children
Insights
In a 1980-1981 study of hospitalized children, 44 cases of bacteremia were identified. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent cause, with gram-negative bacteria comprising over half of isolates.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
Background:
- Bacteremia in hospitalized children presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Understanding common pathogens and infection sources is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence, pathogens, and sources of bacteremia in pediatric patients.
- To identify risk factors and outcomes associated with childhood bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 7,205 pediatric hospitalizations from 1980-1981.
- Identification and characterization of bacterial isolates from blood cultures.
- Review of patient records for demographic data, infection focus, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- 44 cases of bacteremia were identified among 7,205 children.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen; 52% of isolates were gram-negative.
- Respiratory tract infections were the most frequent source; nearly half of affected children were under 2 years old.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric bacteremia is often caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and gram-negative bacteria.
- Early identification of infection sources, particularly respiratory, is important in young children.
- Further research is needed to compare findings with contemporary studies and evolving resistance patterns.
Abstract:
Among 7,205 children hospitalized in the Pediatric Service at the Rokach (Hadassah) Hospital during 1980 and 1981, 44 were found to be bacteremic. The most common pathogen was Streptococcus pneumoniae, followed by Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Klebsiella and others; 52% of the isolates were gram-negative. The most common focus of infection was the respiratory tract, followed by the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts. Almost half of the bacteremic children were under 2 years of age. Other data, such as predisposing conditions and mortality, and whether the bacteremias were hospital acquired, are also analyzed. All of the findings are discussed and compared to the findings from the few similar studies in the literature.