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Overview of Bacterial Infections in Children

By

Geoffrey A. Weinberg

, MD, Golisano Children’s Hospital

Reviewed/Revised Feb 2024
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Topic Resources

Bacteria Overview of Bacteria Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. They are among the earliest known life forms on earth. There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria, and they live in every conceivable... read more are microscopic, single-celled organisms. Only some bacteria cause disease in people. Other bacteria live inside the intestinal tract, genitourinary tract, or on the skin without causing harm. Some bacteria are even thought to help keep people healthy.

Did You Know...

  • Not all bacteria cause disease or infections.

Risk of bacterial infections in children

Certain children are at particular risk of bacterial infections.

High-risk children include

Diagnosis of Bacterial Infections in Children

  • Tests of blood, body fluids, or tissue samples

  • Culture (usually done with a small swab)

Sometimes doctors diagnose bacterial infections when a child has typical symptoms. Usually, however, bacteria must be identified in samples of tissue, blood, or body fluids, such as urine, pus, or cerebrospinal fluid (fluid around the spinal cord). Sometimes bacteria from these samples can be recognized under a microscope Staining and Examination Using a Microscope Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors suspect an infection based on the person's symptoms, physical examination results,... read more or identified with rapid detection tests such as tests that look for genetic material Tests That Detect Genetic Material in Microorganisms Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors suspect an infection based on the person's symptoms, physical examination results,... read more from certain bacteria. Usually, however, they are too few or too small to see, so doctors must try to grow (culture Culture of Microorganisms Infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Doctors suspect an infection based on the person's symptoms, physical examination results,... read more ) them in the laboratory. It typically takes 24 to 48 hours for bacteria to grow in culture.

Treatment of Bacterial Infections in Children

  • Antibiotics

  • Sometimes also surgery

Doctors may treat certain potentially serious childhood infections with antibiotics before they have the culture results. When results are obtained, the antibiotics are continued or changed as needed. If no bacteria are found, antibiotics may be stopped.

Prevention of Bacterial Infections in Children

  • Immunization

Bacterial Infections Preventable With Immunization*

NOTE: This is the Consumer Version. DOCTORS: VIEW PROFESSIONAL VERSION
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