Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Sensitivity in Malnourished Children
Author Information
Author(s): Okomo Uduak A., Garba Danlami, Fombah Augustin E., Secka Ousman, Ikumapayi Usman N. A., Udo Jacob J., Ota Martin O. C.
Primary Institution: Medical Research Council (UK) Laboratories
Hypothesis
What are the patterns of bacterial infections and their antibiotic sensitivities in Gambian children with severe acute malnutrition?
Conclusion
A combination of ampicillin and gentamicin provides adequate antibiotic cover for severely malnourished children in The Gambia.
Supporting Evidence
- 38 children had a pathogen isolated from blood culture, with 60% considered contaminants.
- Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the predominant contaminant.
- Nontyphoidal Salmonella, S. pneumoniae, and E. coli were the major causes of bacteraemia.
- E. coli accounted for 58% of urinary isolates.
- 87.5% of the isolates were sensitive to ampicillin and/or gentamicin.
Takeaway
This study looked at sick kids who are really thin and found out what germs were making them sick and which medicines worked best against those germs.
Methodology
Children with severe acute malnutrition were studied for bacterial infections through blood, urine, and stool cultures, and their antibiotic sensitivities were tested.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of children with non-nutritional causes of edema and those on antibiotics prior to admission.
Limitations
The study was conducted in only one hospital, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
Median age of participants was 19.1 months, with 46.4% being female.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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