Pseudomonasinfections in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection

Thirteen bacteremias and 25 nonbacteremic infections caused by Pseudomonasspp. occurred in 22 of 236 children with human immunodeficiency virus infection with a rate of infection of 0.098 (bacteremia, 0.030) per patient years. Four patients were neutropenic (<500/μl). Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infections were most frequent (n= 20) followed by otitis externa (n= 6) and pneumonia (n= 5). Pseudomonas aeruginosawas the most common isolate and caused both CVC-related and CVC-unrelated infections, whereas other Pseudomonasspp. and Xanthomonas maltophiliawere almost exclusively associated with CVC-related infections. The children who received appropriate therapy had a favorable outcome. In 7 CVC-related infections (35) the catheter was removed. Pseudomonasspp. are of increasing importance in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children causing significant morbidity and increased hospitalization. These infections may be life-threatening if appropriate therapy is not vigorously initiated.