Bacteremia in Early Infancy: Etiology and Management

Joseph B Cantey; Amanda C Farris; Sarah M McCormick

doi:10.1007/s11908-015-0508-3

Bacteremia in Early Infancy: Etiology and Management

Curr Infect Dis Rep. 2016 Jan;18(1):1. doi: 10.1007/s11908-015-0508-3.

Authors

Joseph B Cantey¹, Amanda C Farris², Sarah M McCormick²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Infectious Diseases and Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, 1901 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX, 76502, USA. JCantey@sw.org.
² Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Inpatient Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health, 1901 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple, TX, 76502, USA.

PMID: 26700369
DOI: 10.1007/s11908-015-0508-3

Abstract

We reviewed the literature regarding bacteremia in early infancy (age ≤ 90 days). Bacteremia remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in young infants. However, recent epidemiologic data suggest that the incidence of bacteremia is decreasing and the pathogens responsible for invasive disease are changing. These changes will impact the evaluation and management of young infants. We review the current epidemiology of community-acquired bacteremia in early infancy with particular emphasis on the causative agents, diagnostic evaluation, and empiric and definitive antimicrobial treatment.

Keywords: Antibiotics; Blood culture; Enterococcus; Escherichia coli; Extended-spectrum β-lactamase; Group B Streptococcus; Infant; Listeria; Neonate.