Prevalence of Infections in Infants Within the First 6 Months of Liver Transplant.

OBJECTIVES

In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the most common infectious agents in infants within the first 6 months of liver transplant.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-four infant patients with median age of 8 months (range, 4-12 mo) at the time of liver transplant were retrospectively evaluated. We evaluated causative organisms in bloodstream cultures and in subclavian catheter, urine, and intra-abdominal drainage fluid cultures. We also evaluated Epstein-Barr and cytomegalovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction in all recipients.

RESULTS

The most common isolated bacteria from the bloodstream were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterococcus faecium. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolated bacteria from subclavian catheter cultures. Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common bacteria isolated from intra-abdominal drainage fluid. Only 1 recipient had cytomegalovirus infection during this period.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a high incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in infants after liver transplant. New prophylactic antibiotic strategies can be promoted to prevent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in infants.