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Veillonella infections in children
1Department of Pediatrics, Navy Hospital, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 1, 1996
Summary
Veillonella species are uncommon anaerobic bacteria in children, rarely causing pure infections. They are often found in mixed infections, particularly from sites like abscesses and respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Anaerobic bacteria play a role in various human infections.
- Veillonella species are known anaerobic cocci, but their prevalence in pediatric populations is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and clinical significance of Veillonella species recovery from pediatric cultures.
- To identify common infection sites and predisposing factors associated with Veillonella spp. in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric specimens submitted for anaerobic bacterial cultures between 1974 and 1994.
- Identification and quantification of recovered Veillonella species and associated microorganisms.
Main Results:
- Veillonella species were recovered from 4% of 2,033 pediatric specimens.
- Most frequent recovery sites included abscesses, aspiration pneumonias, burns, bites, and sinuses.
- Infections were polymicrobial in 95% of cases; Veillonella spp. were found in pure culture in only 5%.
Conclusions:
- Veillonella species are infrequently isolated from children.
- Their recovery is typically associated with polymicrobial infections, often involving oral or bowel flora.
- Predisposing factors include surgery, malignancy, steroid therapy, foreign bodies, and immunodeficiency.