[Gut translocation septicemia in infant]

[Dermohypodermitis and gut translocation Escherichia coli septicemia in a newborn infant]

The burden of neonatal bacterial infections continues. They remain a significant cause of death and morbidity, despite recommendations for prevention. The epidemiology of these infections has changed. Currently the two most causative pathogens for early-onset neonatal sepsis and for late-onset sepsis in term infants are Group B streptococci (GBS) and Escherichia coli. E. coli's role is increasingly important since the widespread use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. In late-onset infections, one of the suggested pathophysiological mechanisms is microbial translocation in the gut secondary to digestive colonization, particularly when E. coli is isolated in blood cultures. This can occur either before or after birth. Bacterial sepsis can be associated with various non-specific peripheral manifestations involving skin and soft tissues. We report the case of a full-term, 26-day-old newborn admitted to the hospital for fever. She presented with dermohypodermitis of the left trunk and was diagnosed with E. coli septicemia. She was discharged in good condition after appropriate intravenous antibiotic therapy.

Campylobacter bacteremia: a rare and under-reported event?

Bacteria belonging to the species Campylobacter are the most common cause of bacterial diarrhoea in humans. The clinical phenotype associated with Campylobacter infections ranges from asymptomatic conditions to severe colitis and bacteremia. In susceptible patients, Campylobacter infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, with both host factors and bacterial factors being involved in the pathogenesis of bacteremia. In the host, age, gender and immune-compromising conditions may predispose for Campylobacter infections, whilst the most important bacterial determinants mentioned in the literature are cytotoxin production and flagellar motility. The role of sialylated lipo-oligosaccharide (LOS) and serum resistance in bacteremia is inconclusive at this time, and the clinical significance of Campylobacter bacteremia is not yet fully understood. More emphasis on the detection of Campylobacter species from blood cultures in susceptible patients at risk for Campylobacter infections will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis and the relevance of Campylobacter bacteremia.