Related Experiment Videos
Community-acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in an infant
1Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Tygerberg Hospital, Parow, South Africa.
Insights
A severe Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection caused ecthyma gangrenosum and other symptoms in a malnourished infant. Prompt antibiotic treatment led to a good clinical response.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can be severe, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Ecthyma gangrenosum is a characteristic skin lesion associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
- Severe protein energy malnutrition can compromise immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections.
Observation:
- A 7-month-old infant presented with fever, diarrhea, and a distinctive rash.
- Clinical examination revealed pyrexia, kwashiorkor, ulcerating skin lesions, hepatomegaly, meningismus, neutropenia, and iron deficiency anemia.
- Blood and skin aspirates confirmed Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth.
Findings:
- The infant had severe protein energy malnutrition but no other identified immunodeficiencies.
- The clinical presentation was consistent with ecthyma gangrenosum secondary to Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
- The patient showed a positive response to parenteral antibiotics, specifically gentamicin and piperacillin.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of early diagnosis and aggressive management of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in malnourished infants.
- Prompt recognition of ecthyma gangrenosum as a sign of invasive infection is crucial for timely intervention.
- Effective antibiotic therapy, even in severely ill and malnourished children, can lead to favorable outcomes.
Abstract:
A 7-month-old infant presented at a tertiary centre with a 6-day history of a skin rash, fever and diarrhoea. Clinical features included pyrexia, kwashiorkor, extensive ulcerating skin lesions suggestive of ecthyma gangrenosum, hepatomegaly, meningismus, neutropenia and iron deficiency anaemia. Blood and skin aspirate cultures yielded a positive growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Apart from severe protein energy malnutrition, no other causes of immunodeficiency were found. He responded well to parenteral antibiotic therapy with gentamicin and piperacillin.