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Polymicrobial bacteremia due to Polle syndrome: the child abuse variant of Munchausen by proxy
Abstract:
Infectious disease due to multiple organisms results from underlying disease or invasive procedures and is uncommon in the pediatric age group. We report a case of polymicrobial bacteremia in an infant in whom no underlying disease was substantiated despite extensive evaluation. The presence of Polle syndrome--an adult-induced illness--was subsequently proved. This diagnosis should be considered early in the evaluation of children for whom repeated blood culturing indicates polymicrobial bacteremia.
Insights
Polymicrobial bacteremia in infants is rare and often linked to underlying conditions. This case highlights Polle syndrome as a potential cause in infants with recurrent infections, even without other identifiable diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Infectious diseases involving multiple organisms are uncommon in pediatric patients.
- Such infections typically arise from underlying medical conditions or invasive procedures.
- Polymicrobial bacteremia in infants often prompts extensive investigation for predisposing factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of polymicrobial bacteremia in an infant.
- To identify the cause of recurrent bacteremia in an infant without apparent underlying disease.
- To emphasize the consideration of Polle syndrome in pediatric polymicrobial bacteremia.
Main Methods:
- Case report of an infant presenting with recurrent polymicrobial bacteremia.
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to identify underlying conditions.
- Subsequent confirmation of Polle syndrome as the causative factor.
Main Results:
- Extensive evaluation failed to reveal any underlying disease or invasive procedure as the cause of bacteremia.
- Polle syndrome, an adult-induced illness, was diagnosed in the infant.
- This diagnosis explained the recurrent polymicrobial bacteremia.
Conclusions:
- Polle syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of infants with unexplained polymicrobial bacteremia.
- Early consideration of Polle syndrome can expedite diagnosis and appropriate management.
- This case underscores the importance of considering non-traditional causes for pediatric infections.