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Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
05:51

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain

Published on: July 24, 2016

Viral and bacterial pathogens of suspected sepsis in young infants

R J Leggiadro, B T Darras

    Pediatric Infectious Disease
    |July 1, 1983
    PubMed

    Insights

    Enteroviruses were the most common cause of suspected sepsis in infants under two months old. Occult bacteremia in 7% of cases supports early antibiotic treatment for these young patients.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Infectious Diseases
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition in infants under two months.
    • Identifying pathogens is crucial for appropriate treatment.
    • Enteroviruses are common viral pathogens in infants.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify the predominant pathogens in infants hospitalized for suspected sepsis.
    • To determine the role of enteroviruses in neonatal sepsis.
    • To evaluate the need for empirical antibiotic therapy.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of clinical and laboratory data.
    • Analysis of bacterial and viral culture results.
    • Inclusion of infants aged two months or younger hospitalized for suspected sepsis.

    Main Results:

    • Enteroviruses were the most frequently identified pathogens (8 cases).
    • Other identified pathogens included adenovirus, RSV, group B Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Salmonella.
    • Gram-negative bacillary urinary tract infections occurred in two patients.
    • No pathogens were identified in 11 patients (41%).

    Conclusions:

    • Enteroviruses play a significant role in neonatal sepsis, particularly during summer and fall.
    • Occult bacteremia was found in 7% of patients.
    • Empirical antibiotic therapy is justified for very young infants with suspected sepsis due to potential occult bacteremia.

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