Changes in Etiology of Invasive Bacterial Infections in Infants Under 3 Months of Age in Korea, 2006-2020

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2022 Dec 1;41(12):941-946. doi: 10.1097/INF.0000000000003714. Epub 2022 Sep 20.

Abstract

Objectives: Invasive bacterial infection (IBI) causes a significant burden in infants. In this study, we analyzed changes in epidemiology of IBI among infants in Korea.

Methods: A retrospective multicenter-based surveillance for IBIs in infants <3 months of age was performed during 2006-2020. Cases were classified as an early-onset disease (EOD) (0-6 days) or late-onset disease (LOD) (7-89 days). The temporal trend change in proportion of pathogens was analyzed.

Results: Among 1545 cases, the median age was 28 days (IQR: 12, 53) and EOD accounted for 17.7%. Among pathogens, S. agalactiae (40.4%), E. coli (38.5%), and S. aureus (17.8%) were the most common and attributed for 96.7%. Among EOD (n = 274), S. agalactiae (45.6%), S. aureus (31.4%), E. coli (17.2%) and L. monocytogenes (2.9%) were most common. Among LOD (n = 1274), E. coli (43.1%), S. agalactiae (39.3%), S. aureus (14.9%) and S. pneumoniae (1.3%) were most common. In the trend analysis, the proportion of S. aureus (r s = -0.850, P < 0.01) decreased significantly, while that of S. agalactiae increased (r s = 0.781, P < 0.01).

Conclusion: During 2006-2020, among IBI in infants <3 months of age, S. agalactiae, E. coli, and S. aureus were most common and an increasing trend of S. agalactiae was observed.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections* / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections* / microbiology
  • Escherichia coli
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Streptococcal Infections* / epidemiology
  • Streptococcus agalactiae
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae