[Severe bacterial infections and sudden death in children less than 4-years-old: 3 case reports].

Infectious factors contribute to sudden infant death in about 1 case out of 3. We report 3 children less than 4-years-old who died suddenly of bacterial infection due to Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria were isolated from central and peripheral samples. A bacterial origin should be sought in all cases of sudden death in children. When a bacterial origin is confirmed, the question of immunodeficiency should be raised.