Should first-line empiric treatment strategies cover coagulase-negative staphylococcal infections in severely malnourished or HIV-infected children in Kenya?

BackgroundBloodstream infection is a common cause of morbidity in children aged MethodsSystematically collected clinical and microbiological surveillance data from children aged 6–59 months admitted to Kilifi County Hospital (2007–2013) were analysed. Multivariable regression was used to test associations between CoNS isolation from blood cultures and SAM (MUAC ResultsCoNS were isolated from blood culture in 906/13,315 (6.8%) children, of whom 135/906 (14.9%) had SAM and 54/906 (6.0%) were HIV antibody positive. CoNS isolation was not associated with SAM (MUACConclusionIn a large, systematic study, there was no evidence that antimicrobial therapy should specifically target CoNS amongst children with SAM or HIV-infection or exposure.