Bacterial Infections Associated with Viperidae Snakebites in Children: A 14-Year Experience at the Hospital Nacional de Niños de Costa Rica

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2019 May;100(5):1227-1229. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.18-1015.

Abstract

Secondary bacterial infections following Viperidae snakebite envenomation in children are common. Among 75 patients admitted because of snakebites at the only pediatric hospital in Costa Rica, 16 (21.3%) had a culture-confirmed secondary bacterial infection. Morganella morganii (37.5%), Aeromonas hydrophila (31.2%), and Providencia rettgeri (18.7%) were the most common pathogens. Empiric prophylaxis is still recommended and should be based on local etiological agents and antimicrobial susceptibilities.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacteria / classification
  • Bacteria / isolation & purification
  • Bacterial Infections / etiology*
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Coinfection / etiology
  • Costa Rica
  • Female
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Snake Bites / complications*
  • Snake Bites / microbiology*
  • Viperidae*