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Flavobacterial sepsis in massively burned pediatric patients
R L Sheridan1, C M Ryan, M S Pasternack
1Surgical and Pediatric Infectious Disease Services, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston.
Abstract:
An experience with wound sepsis due to Flavobacterium meningosepticum in two pediatric burn patients is described. This organism, which is typically found in water and soil, generally has low pathogenicity but may become clinically important in immunocompromised hosts. It is typically resistant to antibiotics prescribed for infections caused by aerobic, gram-negative bacteria. When flavobacteria are suspected as pathogens, initial therapy should begin with ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or clindamycin.
Insights
Flavobacterium meningosepticum can cause wound sepsis in pediatric burn patients, especially those immunocompromised. Initial treatment should involve specific antibiotics like ciprofloxacin or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatric Burn Care
Background:
- Flavobacterium meningosepticum, an environmental bacterium, typically exhibits low pathogenicity.
- Clinical significance arises in immunocompromised individuals, such as pediatric burn patients.
- This pathogen often displays resistance to standard antibiotics for aerobic gram-negative infections.
Observation:
- Two pediatric burn patients experienced wound sepsis caused by Flavobacterium meningosepticum.
- The patients' immunocompromised status likely contributed to the infection's severity.
Findings:
- Flavobacterium meningosepticum infections present a challenge due to intrinsic antibiotic resistance.
- Effective initial therapeutic options include ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and clindamycin.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering unusual pathogens in severe pediatric burns.
- Informs antibiotic selection for suspected flavobacterial infections in vulnerable populations.
- Emphasizes the need for tailored treatment strategies beyond standard protocols for gram-negative infections.