Pseudomonas infections in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1992 Jul;11(7):547-53. doi: 10.1097/00006454-199207000-00008.

Abstract

Thirteen bacteremias and 25 nonbacteremic infections caused by Pseudomonas spp. occurred in 22 of 236 children with human immunodeficiency virus infection with a rate of infection of 0.098 (bacteremia, 0.030) per patient year. Four patients were neutropenic (less than 500/microliters). Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections were most frequent (n = 20) followed by otitis externa (n = 6) and pneumonia (n = 5). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate and caused both CVC-related and CVC-unrelated infections, whereas other Pseudomonas spp. and Xanthomonas maltophilia were almost exclusively associated with CVC-related infections. The children who received appropriate therapy had a favorable outcome. In 7 CVC-related infections (35%) the catheter was removed. Pseudomonas spp. are of increasing importance in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children causing significant morbidity and increased hospitalization. These infections may be life-threatening if appropriate therapy is not vigorously initiated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Bacterial Infections / complications
  • Catheterization, Central Venous / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Opportunistic Infections / complications*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / complications*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / drug therapy
  • Xanthomonas