Campylobacter Enteritis: Clinical Features and Laboratory Findings in Children Treated at a Single Hospital

Jang, Won Tae,Jo, Na Hyun,Song, Mi Ok,Eun, Byung Wook,Ahn, Young Min The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2019 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.26 No.1

Purpose: Campylobacter species are common causes of bacterial enteritis. There is limited knowledge on its prevalence and clinical features because of its fastidious culture conditions. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinical features of Campylobacter enteritis in children. Methods: We obtained stool specimens from patients diagnosed with acute gastroenteritis in the Department of Pediatrics, Nowon Eulji Medical Center (NEMC) and identified the pathogens by performing cultures or polymerase chain reactions (PCR). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients with Campylobacter enteritis at NEMC between January 2012 and December 2017. Results: Overall, 123 patients were diagnosed with Campylobacter enteritis (60 by culture and PCR in EnterNet and 110 by multiplex PCR). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients was 12 years (IQR, 8 to 16 years). The disease occurred all year round, but 69.9% from June to September. Symptoms included diarrhea (97.6%), fever (96.7%), abdominal pain (94.3%), vomiting (37.4%), and headache (34.1%). Compared with other treatments, treatment with azithromycin was associated with a shorter hospitalization period (P<0.05). Conclusions: Campylobacter enteritis is common during summer and mostly infects adolescent patients. It causes severe abdominal pain and fever preceding the onset of diarrhea. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate use of antibiotics reduces the duration of the disease.

Meningococcal Disease and Quadrivalent MenACWY-CRM Vaccine (Menveo^®)

Tsai, Theodore F. The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2012 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.19 No.3

Meningococcal Disease, manifesting as meningitis and septicemia, is a life-threatening bacterial infection that results in significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in childhood. Its epidemic potential and limited opportunities for clinical intervention due to its rapid course present unique public health and clinical challenges. Incidence is highest in infants and young children, with a secondary peak of risk in adolescents. Approximately 10% of cases are fatal and survivors can be left with serious and permanent sequelae including amputations, hearing loss and cognitive impairment. Transmission is only from human-to-human, by infected respiratory tract secretions or saliva and therefore crowding poses a tremendously elevated risk for disease development. Military recruits and university students are at high risk due to the high carriage rate in adolescents, their behavior patterns and close contact. Menveo$^{(R)}$ (Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics), a novel quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine directed against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W-135 and Y, has been shown to be immunogenic and well tolerated in all age groups and was recently licensed for use in Korea. Recent cases and deaths among military recruits drew public attention to their elevated risk and the Korean government has recommended vaccination of all new military recruits. Many Korean students seek to attend school, university, or language institutes in countries where routine meningococcal vaccination is required - clinicians should be aware of such requirements to ensure that students are vaccinated prior to arrival in the destination country.

A Fifteen-year Epidemiological Study of Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Infections in Pediatric Patients: A Single Center Experience

김연경,신형진,김예진,Kim, Yeon Kyung,Shin, Hyung Jin,Kim, Yae Jean The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2012 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.19 No.3

목 적 : 뇌실-복강 단락 수술은 수두증이 있는 소아 환자에서 중요한 치료 방법 중 하나이다. 뇌실-복강 단락에서 단락 감염은 중요한 합병증이며 수술의 예후를 결정하는 중요한 요인이다. 이 연구는 소아 환자에서의 뇌실-복강 단락 감염의 역학적 특성과 임상 증상, 치료와 예후를 파악하고 진단 및 치료에 도움이 되고자 하였다. 방 법 : 1995년 4월부터 2010년 6월까지 뇌실-복강 단락 수술을 시행 받은 18세 이하의 환자를 대상으로 하였으며 후향적으로 의무 기록을 분석하였다. 결 과 : 총 190명(여자 82명, 남자 107명)의 환자에서 327건의 뇌실-복강 단락 수술을 시행하였다. 중위 연령은 2.4세이며(0.02-17.9세) 뇌실-복강 단락 수술의 가장 흔한 원인은 악성 뇌종양이었다. 수술 1건 당 감염률은 6.7% (22/327건), 환자 1명 당 감염률은 9.5% (18/190명)이며 100건의 수술-년 당 감염은 0.45건 이었다. 가장 흔한 원인 균은 coagulase-negative staphylococcus (7건) 이며 methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus에 의한 감염은 1건 이었다. 10건의 감염에서 vancomycin과 beta-lactam antibiotics (cephalosporin or carbapenem)의 복합 정주 치료를 시행하였으며 7건의 감염에서 vancomycin 단독 정주 치료를 시행하였다. 치료 기간의 중앙값은 26일(7-58일)이었으며 수술적 치료는 18건에서 시행하였다(18/22건, 81.8%). 결 론 : 본 연구는 단일 기관에서 15년 동안의 뇌실-복강 단락 감염의 역학을 요약한 연구로 소아 환자에서의 뇌실-복강 단락 감염의 역학적 정보는 적절한 치료를 시행하는데 큰 도움이 될 것이다. 향후 단락 감염의 발생과 관련한 위험 인자에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다. Purpose : Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt insertion is an important treatment modality in children with hydrocephalus. VP shunt infection is a major complication and an important factor that determines the surgery outcome. This 15-year study was performed to evaluate the epidemiology of VP shunt infections in pediatric patients treated at our center. Methods : A retrospective review of medical records was performed in patients 18 years old or younger who underwent VP shunt insertion surgery from April 1995 to June 2010. Results : Three hundred twenty-seven VP shunt surgeries were performed in a total of 190 pediatric patients (83 females, 107 males). The median age of the patients was 2.4 years (range, 0.02-17.9 years). Having a malignant brain tumor was the most frequent cause for VP shunt insertion. The shunt infection rate was 6.7% (22/327) per 100 operations and 9.5% (18/190) per 100 patients, and the incidence rate was 0.45 infection cases per 100 shunt operations-year. The most common pathogen was coagulase-negative staphylococcus (n=7) followed by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n=1). Ten cases were treated with vancomycin and beta-lactam antibiotic (cephalosporin or carbapenem) combination therapy and 7 cases were treated with vancomycin monotherapy. The median duration of antibiotic treatment was 26 days (range, 7 to 58 days). Surgical intervention was performed in 18 cases (18/22, 81.8%). Conclusion : Epidemiologic information regarding VP shunt infections in pediatric patients is valuable that will help guide proper antibiotic management. Additional studies on the risk factors for developing VP shunt infections are also warranted.

우리나라 영아에서 주사용 소아마비 백신(Poliorix^TM)의 안전성 및 이상반응에 대한 연구

Sin, Jong Beom,Park, Moon Sung,Ma, Sang Hyuk,Choi, Young Youn,Shin, Son Moon,Kim, Won Duck,Kuriyakose, Sherine,Ulianov, Liliana,Hardt, Karin The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2013 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.20 No.3

목적: 한국은 2000년에 소아마비 무발생국가로 공인되었으며, WHO의 권고에 의해 2005년부터는 경구용소아마비 생백신 대신 주사용 사백신을 사용하기 시작했다. 본 연구는 2006년부터 국내에서 사용되기 시작한 주사용 소아마비 백신(Poliorix$^{TM}$)의 안전성 및 이상반응을 우리나라 영아들을 대상으로 알아보고자 한다. 방법: 2006년부터 2012년까지 6년 동안 다기관공동연구로 조사하였으며, 2, 4, 6개월의 기초접종과 4-6세의 추가 접종 후 7일 이내 및 31일 이내의 이상반응 및 안전성에 대해 조사하였다. 결과: 총 639명 중 등록대상자 중 617명은 기초접종, 22명은 추가접종을 실시하였으며, 639명 중 73명(11.4%)에서 명시되지 않은 이상반응을 보고하였으며, 이중 가장 많은 증상은 상기도 감염증상으로 접종 후 7일 이내에 639명 중 16명(2.5%)에서 보고되었다. 1명에서 grade 3 이상의 장염증상을 보고하였으며, 11명(1.7%)에서 중대한 이상반응을 보고하였으나, 이들은 모두 연구 종료 이전에 호전되었다. 결론: 6년 동안의 시판 후 조사에서, 건강한 우리나라 영아들을 대상으로 한 주사용 소아마비 사백신(Poliorix$^{TM}$) 접종은 국내 건강한 소아에서 안전하고 내약성이 충분하였다. Objective: As per the requirement of Korean Food and Drug Administration, this post-marketing surveillance was conducted in Korea to evaluate the safety and reactogenicity of Poliorix$^{TM}$ following its introduction in 2006. Methods: In this open, multicenter study, the vaccine was administered as per the current practice of Korean doctors and in reference to the guidebook by the Korean Pediatric Society and as indicated in the Korean label which was as follows - for primary vaccination three doses were given to infants at ages 2, 4 and 6 months whereas, for the booster dose a single dose was given to children aged 4-6 years. Safety data during this six year surveillance was collected using diary cards which were distributed to the parents to record adverse events. Results: A total of 639 subjects were enrolled into the study. Of these, 617 subjects and 22 subjects received the vaccine as a primary and booster dose, respectively. At least one unsolicited symptom was reported in 11.4% (73/639) of the subjects during the 7-day follow-up period; upper respiratory tract infection (2.5%;16/639) was the most frequently reported unsolicited symptom. One subject reported at least one unsolicited symptom (gastroenteritis) of grade 3 intensity within the 31-day post-vaccination period. Approximately 1.7% (11/639) of subjects reported 13 serious adverse events (SAEs). All SAEs were resolved by the end of the study. Conclusion: In Korea, primary and booster vaccination with Poliorix$^{TM}$ was well-tolerated in healthy subjects when administered according to the prescribing information as part of routine clinical practice.

Molecular Epidemiologic Study of a Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Outbreak at a Newborn Nursery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Kang, Hyun Mi,Park, Ki Cheol,Lee, Kyung-Yil,Park, Joonhong,Park, Sun Hee,Lee, Dong-Gun,Kim, Jong-Hyun The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2019 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.26 No.3

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology of a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak at a newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: During the outbreak, from August to September 2017, MRSA isolates collected from neonates and medical staff underwent genotyping and screened for virulence factors. Antibiotic susceptibilities were tested. Results: During the study period, 41 neonates were admitted at the nursery (n=27) and NICU (n=14). Of these, 7 had MRSA infections (skin infection [n=6] and sepsis [n=1]) and 4 were colonized with MRSA. Associated medical staff (n=32) were screened; three were nasal MRSA carriers. Staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) type II, sequence type (ST) 89, spa type t375 was found to be the skin infection outbreak causing strain, with multi-drug resistance including low-level mupirocin resistance. SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, and a novel spa type designated t17879, was the cause of MRSA sepsis. Many different types of MRSA were colonized on the neonates; however, SCCmec type IVa, ST 72, spa type t664 was colonized in both neonates and a NICU nurse. All MRSA isolates from colonized infants were positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) toxin gene. Conclusions: The strain causing an outbreak of skin infections had multi-drug resistance. Also, MRSA colonized in the neonates were found to carry the PVL toxin gene. Because different strains are present during an outbreak, molecular epidemiologic studies are important to identify the outbreak strain and colonized strains which aid in effective control and prevention of future MRSA outbreaks.

A Case of Plastic Bronchitis Associated Influenza A Pneumonia Requiring ECMO Assistance

An, Hong Yul,Baek, Seung Min,Choi, Youn Young,Kim, You sun,Lee, Eui Jun,Choi, Yu Hyeon,Choi, Yun Jung,Suh, Dong In,Kwak, Jae Gun,Kim, Woong-Han,Park, June Dong The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2018 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.25 No.2

A 6-year-old boy with underlying hemolytic anemia of unknown etiology, atopic dermatitis, and recurrent urticaria visited our hospital because of acute respiratory failure induced by influenza A. Despite mechanical ventilation after endotracheal intubation along with inhalation of nitric oxide, respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia persisted. Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) insertion was performed to provide respiratory support. After performing flexible bronchoscopy, we found that thick mucus plugs were obstructing the right bronchus intermedius and the upper lobe orifice. After bronchial washing and removal of the plugs, we were able to wean the patient off VV ECMO and transfer him to the general ward. He was discharged without any neurologic or pulmonary sequelae.

Clinical Features of and Antibiotic Resistance in Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux

Eun, So Hyun,Kang, Ji-Man,Kim, Ji Hong,Kim, Sang Woon,Lee, Yong Seung,Han, Sang Won,Ahn, Jong Gyun The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2020 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.27 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and to compare the causative uropathogen and antibiotic susceptibility between the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children with VUR who had recurrent UTI. Group 1 included patients in whom the same pathogen caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Group 2 included patients in whom different pathogens caused the first and recurrent UTI episodes. Results: During a 13-year study period (2005-2018), 77 children with VUR experienced at least one episode of UTI. Among these, 47 patients (61.0%) had recurrent UTI. Of the children with recurrent UTI, 19 (40.4%) were in group 1 and 28 (59.6%) were in group 2. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated uropathogen (n=37; 39.4%) in both episodes of recurrent UTIs, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=18; 19.1%), Enterococcus faecalis (n=14; 14.9%), and Enterobacter aerogenes (n=7; 7.4%). Although the difference was not significant, the rate of resistance to the antibiotics ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole increased in patients with the second episode of E. coli recurrence in group 1, and that to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and meropenem increased in children with the second episode of E. aerogenes recurrence in group 1. Conclusions: When selecting empirical antibiotics for recurrent UTI in children with VUR, it is important to consider that the pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility of the previous UTI are not always the same in recurrent UTIs.

Panton-Valentine Leukocidin Positive Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus: A Case Report of Two Pediatric Patients with Thrombotic Complications

Ng, David Chun Ern,Anand, L. Alexis,Khiu, Fu Lung,Tan, Kah Kee The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2018 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.25 No.1

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-recognized human pathogen that causes a wide range of infections as a result of its extensive virulence factors. One of these factors is Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL), a potent pore-forming cytotoxin that has been linked to invasive S. aureus infections. PVL is one of the important virulence factors for S. aureus and has been largely recognized as one of the markers for community-acquired methicillin-resistant S. aureus. However, the presence of PVL in methicillin-susceptible S. aureus infections is not widely reported in the literature. Thrombotic sequelae of S. aureus infections associated with PVL expression are uncommon in children. We hereby report two children with thrombotic complications associated with PVL-producing methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. Both patients responded well to antibiotic and anticoagulant therapies, and survived without any long-term sequelae.

Immunogenicity and Safety of Inactivated Influenza Vaccine in Healthy Korean Children and Adolescent

이수현,김미정,김윤경,Ri, Soohyun,Kim, Mi Jeong,Kim, Yun-Kyung The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2018 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.25 No.1

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) among healthy Korean children and adolescents. Methods: From October to December 2008, 65 healthy patients aged 6 months to 18 years who visited Korea University Ansan Hospital for influenza vaccination were enrolled in this study. We measured the hemagglutinin inhibition antibody titers at baseline and 30 days after vaccinating enrollees with split influenza vaccine and calculated the seroprotection rates, geometric mean titers, and seroconversion rates. Local and systemic adverse events were assessed after vaccination. Results: The seroprotection rates against all three viral strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, B) were 87.7%, 89.2%, and 89.2% (${\geq}70%$), respectively; seroconversion rates were 44.6%, 73.8%, and 63.1% (${\geq}40%$), respectively; and seroconversion factors were 4.5, 8.4, and 10.5 (>2.5), respectively. The TIV immunogenicity was acceptable according to the CPMP (Committee for Proprietary Medicinal Products) criteria. Although 48 patients (73.8%) reported one or more adverse events, no severe adverse events such as anaphylaxis and convulsion were observed. Forty-two patients (64.6%) reported a local skin reaction, including redness (29.2%), pain (43.1%), or swelling (41.5%) of the injected site, and 26 (40.0%) reported a systemic reaction: fatigue (23.1%), myalgia (20.0%), headache (10.8%), arthralgia (10.8%), chills (9.2%), or fever (7.7%). Conclusions: This study shows that the immunogenicity of the TIV vaccine is acceptable. As there were no serious adverse events aside from local reactions and mild systemic reactions, this vaccine can be safely used among healthy Korean children and adolescents.

The First Newborn Screening Study of T-Cell Receptor Excision Circle and κ-Deleting Recombination Excision Circle for Severe Combined Immunodeficiency in Korea: A Pilot Study

손소희,강지만,김종민,성세인,김이슬,이해정,김빛아름,이연경,고선영,신손문,김예진,Son, Sohee,Kang, Ji-Man,Kim, Jong Min,Sung, Sein,Kim, Yi-Seoul,Lee, Haejeong,Kim, BitA Reum,Lee, Yeon Kyoung,Ko, Sun Young,Shin, Son Moon,Kim, Yae-Jean The Korean Society of Pediatric Infectious Disease 2017 Pediatric Infection and Vaccine Vol.24 No.3

Purpose: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is the most serious form of primary immunodeficiency. Infants with SCID are susceptible to life-threatening infections. To establish newborn screening for SCID in Korea, we performed a screening test for T-cell receptor excision circle (TREC) and ${\kappa}$-deleting recombination excision circle (KREC) in neonates and investigated the awareness of SCID among their parents. Methods: Collections of dried blood spots from neonates and parent surveys were performed at the Samsung Medical Center and Cheil General Hospital & Women's Healthcare Center in Korea. The amplification crossing point (Cp) value <37.0 was defined as TREC/KRECpositive based on cutoff values from measuring multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. A Cp value >39.0 was defined as negative. Results: For TREC/KREC screening, 141 neonates were enrolled; 63 (44.7%) were male. One hundred forty neonates (99.3%) had positive TREC/KREC results at the time of the initial test; 82.3% and 75.9% were positive and 17.0% and 23.4% were weakly positive for TREC and KREC, respectively. In one neonate (0.7%), the initial TREC/KREC test result was negative. However, repeated tests obtained and confirmed a positive result. For an awareness survey, 168 parents were engaged. Only 2% of parents (3/168) knew that the newborn screening test for SCID had been introduced and performed in other countries. Eighty-four percent of parents (141/168) replied that nationwide newborn SCID screening should be performed in Korean newborns. Conclusions: In this study, newborn SCID screening was performed along with assessment of public awareness of the SCID test in Korea. The study results showed that newborn SCID screening can be readily applied for clinical use at a relatively low cost in Korea.