Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria
11:32

Following in Real Time the Impact of Pneumococcal Virulence Factors in an Acute Mouse Pneumonia Model Using Bioluminescent Bacteria

Published on: February 23, 2014

Risks for bacteremia and urinary tract infections in young febrile children with bronchiolitis

N Kuppermann1, D E Bank, E A Walton

  • 1nkuppermann@ucdavis.edu

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|December 31, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Febrile young children with bronchiolitis have very low risks for bacteremia and urinary tract infections (UTI). Routine blood and urine cultures are generally not necessary for these pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Clinical microbiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Febrile illnesses in young children can be associated with serious bacterial infections.
  • Bronchiolitis is a common viral respiratory illness in infants and young children.
  • Distinguishing viral infections from bacterial infections is crucial for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the incidence of bacteremia and urinary tract infections (UTI) in young febrile children with and without bronchiolitis.
  • To determine if bronchiolitis influences the risk of these infections in febrile children.
  • To inform clinical guidelines regarding the necessity of routine cultures in febrile infants.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study conducted in pediatric emergency departments.
  • Included 432 previously healthy febrile children aged 24 months or younger.
  • Patients were categorized into bronchiolitis (n=163) and control (n=261) groups based on clinical signs; blood and urine cultures were performed.

Main Results:

  • No cases of bacteremia were observed in the 156 children with bronchiolitis (vs. 2.7% in controls, P=.049).
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI) occurred in 1.9% of children with bronchiolitis compared to 13.6% of controls (OR, 0.12; P=.001).
  • No bacteremia or UTI was found in the subset of infants aged 2 months or younger with bronchiolitis, though this group was too small for definitive conclusions.

Conclusions:

  • Previously healthy febrile children aged 24 months or younger diagnosed with bronchiolitis have a low likelihood of bacteremia or UTI.
  • Routine blood and urine cultures are likely unnecessary in this patient population.
  • Further research is needed to clarify risks in febrile infants aged 2 months or younger with bronchiolitis.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis08:46

A Neonatal Imaging Model of Gram-Negative Bacterial Sepsis

Published on: August 12, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology01:25

Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) encompasses several progressive stages, beginning with bacterial colonization and culminating in potential systemic complications if untreated. UTIs are primarily initiated by bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, which often originate from the gastrointestinal tract and migrate to the urinary system through the periurethral area. This migration can occur via several routes, including improper hygiene practices, sexual activity, or...
Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction01:27

Acute Pyelonephritis I: Introduction

Pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the renal parenchyma and collecting system, including the renal pelvis, tubules, and interstitial tissue of one or both kidneys. It can be classified as either acute—a sudden, severe infection—or chronic, which refers to long-term or recurrent kidney infections.The primary cause of acute pyelonephritis (APN) is bacterial infection, with Escherichia coli accounting for approximately 70-80% of cases. Other bacteria, such as Proteus,...
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...