Paediatric Infections

Question 1

Paediatric Infections - Meningitis

Answer 1

• Causative organisms:
  
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (capsulated)
• Treatment - cefotaxime IV
  
  • ​Broad spectrum
  • Good CSF penetration

Question 2

Paediatric Infections - Otitis Media

Answer 2

• Causative organisms:
  
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Moraxella catarrhalis
  • Viruses
• Indications for antibiotic treatment:
  
  • High fever
  • Children < 1 year
  • Looking very unwell
  • Bilateral involvement
• Treatment - amoxicillin PO + paracetamol (antipyretic and analgesia)
  
  • Only really useful if Streptococcus pneumoniae is the causative organisms