Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in children: a formidable foe

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus remains one of the most common causes of bacteraemia in children. In order to evade and overcome the immune responses of its host and any antimicrobial therapies aimed at destroying it, this organism, through various mechanisms, continues to evolve. Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia is a systemic disease; and, multiple organ involvement should be assessed and appropriately managed. This is especially important for the anaesthetist who will be administering general anaesthesia to children presenting for surgical source control.

Keywords: bacteraemia, children, pneumonia, septic arthritis, staphylococcus aureus