Do isolates from pharyngeal and rectal swabs match blood culture bacterial pathogens in septic VLBW infants? A pilot, cross-sectional study

Conclusion: Our data show a fair correspondence between bacteria colonizing the nasopharynx and/or the rectum and pathogens later isolated from blood cultures. This association depends on the swabbing site, number of sites, and pathogen species. Although these data constitute valuable results, they are not sufficient for providing the sole base of a thoughtful clinical decision.What is Known:•Body site ’s colonization may precede systemic infection.•Little is known on this mechanism in VLBW infants that are at higher sepsis ’ risk.What is New:•Colonizing bacteria partially correspond to pathogens of blood cultures in VLBW infants with sepsis.•Correspondence depends on swabbing site, number of sites, and pathogen species.
Source: European Journal of Pediatrics - Category: Pediatrics Source Type: research