PYELONEPHRITIS IN INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD

Susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae type b to cefaclor and influence of inoculum size

Cefaclor appeared to be an effective antibiotic against both beta-lactamase-positive and beta-lactamase-negative strains of Haemophilus influenzae type b when tested with 10(5) colony-forming units per ml. With inocula in excess of 10(6) colony-forming units per ml, these organisms were neither inhibited nor killed at concentrations of 400 micrograms/ml. This inoculum effect was also demonstrated in time-kill curve studies.

Prevalence of urinary tract infection in children of preschool age

1000 children between the ages of 3 months and 5 years were screened for urinary tract infection using a dipslide technique. Significant or doubtful cultures were obtained in 13%, the rate being highest (47%) in children below the age of one year. Higher rates were obtained in girls (16%) than in boys (11%). After serial dipslide and urine examinations, 9 children were considered to have a urinary tract infection. 2 had radiological abnormalities. In view of the uncertainty regarding the effect of treatment on the long-term prognosis of children with asymptomatic bacteriuria, it is suggested that the results of controlled studies should be awaited before any recommendation is made concerning the urinary screening of this age group.

Acute urinary tract infection in children

Images