Related Experiment Videos
Peptostreptococcal infection in children
1Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
Abstract:
680 Peptostreptococcus sp. (Ps) were recovered from 598 (34%) of 1,750 specimens obtained from 554 patients. They included 103 Ps asaccharolyticus, 74 Ps magnus, 56 Ps prevotii, 51 Ps micros, 46 Ps anaerobius, 11 Ps morbilorum, and 10 Ps saccharolyticus. Most infections were polymicrobial (in 553 instances or 92%) but in 45 (8%), Ps were recovered in pure culture. Most Ps were isolated from abscesses (237), ears (104), peritoneal fluid (95), lung infections (66), bone (30) and sinuses (24). Predisposing conditions were present in 224 (40%) children. These were previous surgery (54), immunodeficiency (43), malignancy (35), trauma (34), diabetes (23), prematurity (22), steroid therapy (19), foreign body (10) and sickle-cell anemia (7). The organisms most commonly isolated with Ps were Bacteroides sp. (276, including 190 B. fragilis group), Prevotella sp. (159), Fusobacterium sp. (122), Escherichia coli (114), and Staphylococcus aureus (97). Antimicrobial therapy was administered to all but 14 patients. Surgical drainage or correction of pathology was performed in 307 (56%) patients. 10 patients (2%) died of their infection. These data illustrate the importance of Ps and suggests their enhancing potentials in infection in children.
Insights
Peptostreptococcus species (Ps) are frequently found in pediatric infections, often alongside other bacteria. These anaerobic bacteria play a significant role in various infections, particularly in children with underlying health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Anaerobic Bacteria
Background:
- Peptostreptococcus species (Ps) are anaerobic bacteria commonly implicated in human infections.
- Understanding the prevalence and clinical significance of Ps in pediatric populations is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, sources, and clinical associations of Peptostreptococcus species in pediatric infections.
- To identify common co-infecting organisms and predisposing factors associated with Ps recovery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 1,750 specimens from 554 pediatric patients.
- Identification and quantification of Peptostreptococcus species and other concurrently isolated microorganisms.
- Review of clinical data including infection sites, predisposing conditions, and treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Peptostreptococcus species were recovered from 34% of pediatric specimens, frequently in polymicrobial infections (92%).
- Common isolation sites included abscesses, ears, peritoneal fluid, and lung infections.
- Predisposing conditions such as previous surgery, immunodeficiency, and malignancy were noted in 40% of children.
Conclusions:
- Peptostreptococcus species are significant pathogens in pediatric infections, often contributing to polymicrobial disease.
- Their presence highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic approaches and targeted antimicrobial therapy in children.
- Further research into the synergistic potential of Ps in pediatric infections is warranted.