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Superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis in children, caused by anaerobic bacteria
1Department of Pediatrics, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA.
Objective:
The purpose of this study was to present the microbiology and clinical features of six children with superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis (SST) caused by anaerobic bacteria.
Methods:
A retrospective review of microbiological and clinical data was undertaken.
Results:
Anaerobic bacteria alone were recovered in four instances, and they were mixed with facultative bacteria in two. There were 12 bacterial isolates (10 anaerobic and 2 facultatives). The bacteria were Peptostreptococcus species (four isolates), Prevotella species (three), and one isolate each of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. SST at an intravenous infusion site developed in all but one patient. One patient sustained trauma to the leg, and cellulitis developed. Anaerobes of oral origin (Prevotella and Fusobacterium species) were recovered in scalp vein SST, and of gastrointestinal origin (Bacteroides fragilis) in a lower extremity SST.
Conclusion:
This study highlights the potential importance of anaerobic bacteria in children with SST.
Insights
Anaerobic bacteria can cause superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis (SST) in children, often originating from the mouth or gut. This study reviewed six pediatric cases, emphasizing the need to consider anaerobic pathogens in SST diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis (SST) is a localized infection.
- The role of anaerobic bacteria in pediatric SST is not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the microbiology and clinical characteristics of pediatric SST caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- To investigate the sources of anaerobic bacterial infections in children with SST.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical and microbiological data.
- Analysis of bacterial isolates from six pediatric patients with SST.
Main Results:
- Anaerobic bacteria were the sole cause in four cases and mixed in two.
- Common anaerobic isolates included Peptostreptococcus and Prevotella species.
- Infections were associated with intravenous sites, trauma, and specific bacterial origins (oral, gastrointestinal).
Conclusions:
- Anaerobic bacteria are significant pathogens in pediatric superficial suppurative thrombophlebitis.
- Clinical suspicion should include anaerobic etiologies, especially in cases with specific risk factors.