Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal bacteremia in a patient with sickle cell anemia on penicillin prophylaxis.
Serious invasive bacterial infections, particularly those due to Streptococcus pneumoniae and Hemophilus influenzae, are a well-known complication in patients with sickle cell disease. Early penicillin prophylaxis has been shown to prevent these infections and also to improve survival. This article describes a child with sickle cell anemia who, while on penicillin prophylaxis, developed a group A streptococcal bacteremia, a pathogen not commonly associated with bacteremia in sickle cell disease.
LeBlanc
W
W
Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University-Harlem Hospital Center, New York, New York 10037, USA.
Salah
H
H
Khakoo
Y
Y
D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000150:complications*; D016470:Bacteremia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes
D010406:Penicillins