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Acute cervical lymphadenitis in hospitalized pediatric patients: predominance of Staphylococcus aureus in infancy
Insights
Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of acute cervical lymphadenitis in infants. Treatment guidelines should consider S aureus coverage for children under one year old.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Acute cervical lymphadenitis is a common pediatric condition.
- Bacterial infections are the primary cause of cervical lymphadenitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causative organisms of acute cervical lymphadenitis in children.
- To determine predictors of specific pathogens in pediatric cervical lymphadenitis.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 61 cases of acute cervical lymphadenitis.
- Analysis of patient demographics, clinical features, and microbiological data.
- Statistical analysis to identify significant predictors of causative organisms.
Main Results:
- Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 50% of cases, and Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus in 15%.
- No growth was observed in 35% of cultures.
- Age was a significant predictor, with S aureus more prevalent in children under 1 year (65%) compared to those over 3 years (25%).
Conclusions:
- S. aureus is a leading cause of acute cervical lymphadenitis in young children.
- Antimicrobial therapy for acute cervical lymphadenitis in infants should include coverage for S. aureus.
Abstract:
Sixty-one cases of acute cervical lymphadenitis in Kings County Hospital Center were reviewed. Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 50 percent of the cases and Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus accounted for 15 percent; 35 percent had no growth on culture. Of the variables considered (age, sex, temperature, leukocytosis, previous antibiotic treatment, duration of symptoms, lymph node consistency) only age appeared to be a predictor of the causative organisms. Children under 1 year of age had a higher incidence of S aureus (65 percent) than children above 3 years of age (25 percent); the difference was statistically significant (P <.01). Therapeutic antimicrobial regimens should include coverage for S aureus in this age group.