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Campylobacter bacteremia in children
R P Reed1, I R Friedland, F O Wegerhoff
1Shongwe Mission Hospital, South Africa.
Insights
Children with malnutrition are at higher risk for Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia, a serious infection. Prompt management is crucial for these vulnerable pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Campylobacter bacteremia is a significant concern in children, particularly in resource-limited settings.
- Understanding the clinical profile and risk factors is essential for effective management.
Observation:
- A study reviewed 19 cases of Campylobacter bacteremia in children from impoverished South African communities.
- Malnutrition was prevalent, with 84% of affected children exhibiting malnutrition, 13 severely.
- Fever was present in 68% of cases; 21% did not present with diarrhea.
Findings:
- All isolates were identified as Campylobacter jejuni.
- The case fatality rate was 16%, with no clear influence of aminoglycoside treatment noted.
Implications:
- Malnutrition may increase susceptibility to gastrointestinal Campylobacter jejuni infections.
- Immunodeficiency and compromised intestinal mucosa due to malnutrition elevate the risk of bacteremia.
- Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia is a life-threatening condition requiring appropriate medical intervention.
Objective:
To describe clinical and laboratory data for, and to propose pathogenesis and management of, children from impoverished communities with Campylobacter bacteremia.
Methods:
A retrospective review of patient data generated from laboratory records in an urban tertiary care hospital in Soweto and a rural mission hospital in Eastern Transvaal, South Africa. Participants were 19 children presenting to either hospital with Campylobacter bacteremia. Clinical and laboratory data were collated.
Results:
Nineteen children with Campylobacter bacteremia were identified; all isolates were Campylobacter jejuni. Sixteen (84%) had malnutrition; 13 of these were severely malnourished. Thirteen (68%) were febrile at the time of bacteremia. Four children (21%) did not have diarrhea. The case fatality rate was 16% and may not have been influenced by aminoglycoside administration.
Conclusion:
Malnourished children may be more likely to have gastrointestinal C. jejuni infection. Immunodeficiency and intestinal mucosal compromise secondary to malnutrition may render such children at increased risk of C. jejuni bacteremia and its consequences. C. jejuni bacteremia is potentially life-threatening and should be managed accordingly.