Access to Care and Therapy for Kawasaki Disease in the Arab Countries: A Kawasaki Disease Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) Multicenter Survey

Kawasaki Disease (KD) is still the most common acquired heart disease in children below the age of five years; it has been well described in the developed world; however, data from the Arab world are limited to case reports or single-center case series. In an effort of optimizing KD research in the Arab world, a group of physicians and researchers established the KD Arab Initiative (Kawarabi) in 2021, and published the first survey, which showed disparities in the availability of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG); this had prompted Kawarabi to assess the access to care and therapy of KD patients in Arab countries. A 32 structured questions survey was conducted in thirteen Arab countries and addressed KD patients' access to healthcare in urban and rural settings. The survey results showed that access to care was uniform across large, mid-size cities and rural areas in 7/13 (54%) countries, while in 6/13 (46%) countries, it was in favor of large and mid-size cities over rural areas. The quality of medical services received by children with KD in large cities was rated as excellent in 6/13 or good in 7/13 countries compared to fair in 4/13 or poor in 4/13 countries in rural areas. Availability of IVIG was limited (23%) in mid-size cities and almost impossible (23%) in rural areas. The KD patients in mid-size cities and rural areas have limited access to standard healthcare in the Arab world. This survey laid the foundation for future Kawarabi endeavors to improve the care of children with KD.

Reversibility of pancreatic β-cells dysfunction after vitamin D and calcium supplementation: a pilot study in a population of obese and prepubescent North-African children

The mechanisms of diabetogenesis in children remain largely obscure. This study aimed to determine the impact of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on pancreatic β-cells function in terms of insulin secretion and sensitivity. This was a quasi-experimental study involving 30 obese and prepubescent Tunisian children (57% boys). During three months, the children received calcium and vitamin D supplementation at therapeutic doses. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at the beginning and at the end of the study. The following metabolic definitions were applied: i) hyperinsulinism: insulinemia sum > 300 μ UI/ml during OGTT, ii) insulin-resistance: homeostatic model assessment of insulin-resistance > 2, iii) normal glycaemic profile: normal plasma levels during OGTT without any spike, and iv) pancreatic β-cells dysfunction reversibility: disappearance of the aforementioned disorders. The means ± standard-deviation of age and body mass index were 10.87 ± 1.9 years, and 30.17 ± 4.99 kg/m², respectively. All children were at the stage of hyperinsulinism associated with insulin-resistance. These disturbances were noted even in children having a normal glycaemic profile at OGTT. After calcium and vitamin D supplementation, glycaemic profile as well as insulin-secretion improved significantly (p < 0.0001). Hyperinsulinism and insulin-resistance decreased significantly by 56.67% (p < 0.0001) and 70.00% (p < 0.0001), respectively. Complete reversibility of these two disorders was noted in 26.6% of children. To conclude, in obese and prepubescent children, vitamin D and calcium supplementation led to the reversibility of the pancreatic β-cells dysfunction.

Disseminated BCG infection revealing a severe combined immunodeficiency: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine, which is administered to all newborns in Tunisia, can lead to serious complications ranging from local disease to disseminated disease in a group of patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases.

CASE REPORT

A 3-month-old boy presented with persistent fever, hepato-splenomegaly and multiple osteolytic lesions. He was diagnosed with severe combined immunodeficiency disease and disseminated BCG infection. Despite anti-tubercular therapy combined with intravenous immunoglobulin, the evolution was fatal.

CONCLUSION

The case highlights the possible risk of such rare yet lethal complication of BCG vaccine. In suspected cases of primary immunodeficiency disease, inoculation of BCG should be postponed until appropriate screening tests exclude such diagnosis to prevent serious complications.

[Coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki disease and its risk factors : a retrospective study about 65 Tunisian children]

INTRODUCTION

Kawasaki syndrome (KS) is a systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that affects medium and small blood vessels. The aim of our study is to analyze coronary artery lesions in children with KS and their risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

All children under the age of 15 years-old presenting KS and admitted in the pediatric department of three university hospital (Sahloul hospital, and Farhat Hached hospital of Sousse, Ibn El Jazzar hospital of Kairoun) from January 2000 to December 2018 were included.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients were included in our study. The mean age at diagnosis was of 29.9 months [2-120 months] and the sex ratio was of 1.7. Echocardiography was performed in all patients. It showed coronary dilation in 37% of patients with coronary artery diameter of 4.2 mm on average [3.2-7mm]. The coronary aneurysm was small in 19 cases and medium in 5 cases. No giant aneurysm has been identified. In univariate analysis, the predictors of coronary artery lesions were male sex, atypical form, fever duration more than 10 days, hepatic cytolysis, thrombocytosis and anemia. In multivariate analysis, only the last four parameters were the predictive factors of the coronary artery involvement.

CONCLUSION

Several risk factors can be used to determine which children are predisposed to develop coronary dilations. In case of patient with risk factors, intravenous immunoglobulins should be initiated early to avoid these serious complications.

Temporal and climate characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in neonates and children in Sousse, Tunisia, during a 13-year surveillance

This study established the correlation between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis and climate factors in the area of Sousse, Tunisia, during 13 years (2003-2015), from neonates and children <= 5 years old and hospitalized in Farhat Hached University-Hospital of Sousse. The meteorological data of Sousse including temperature, rainfall, and humidity were obtained. RSV detection was carried out with the direct immunofluorescence assay. The impact of climate factors on viral circulation was statistically analyzed. From 2003 to 2015, the total rate of RSV bronchiolitis accounted for 34.5% and peaked in 2007 and 2013. RSV infection was higher in male cases and pediatric environment (p<0.001) and was detected in 47.3% of hospitalizations in intensive care units. The epidemic of this pathogen started in October and peaked in January (41.6%). When the infectivity of RSV was at its maximum, the monthly average rainfall was high (31 mm) and the monthly average temperature and the monthly average humidity were at their minimum (11 °C and 66%, respectively). RSV activity was negatively correlated with temperature (r = - 0.78, p = 0.003) and humidity (r = - 0.62, p = 0.03). Regression analysis showed that the monthly average temperature fits into a linear model (R² = 61%, p < 0.01). No correlation between RSV activity and rainfall was observed (p = 0.48). The meteorological predictions of RSV outbreaks with specific Tunisian climate parameters will help in determining the optimal timing of appropriate preventive strategies. In the area of Sousse, preventive measures should be enhanced since October especially, when the temperature is around 11 °C and humidity is above 60%.

Long term effect of a school based intervention to prevent chronic diseases in Tunisia, 2009-2015

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

We aimed to evaluate the long term effect of school based intervention to prevent non- communicable disease risk factors.

METHODS

It was a quasi experimental study conducted during the period of 2009-2015. We involved school children aged from 11 to 16 years old. For the assessment of the program's effectiveness, subjects in both groups were examined at baseline, at the end of the 3-year intervention period and at the follow-up, one year after program's cessation.

RESULTS

In the intervention group, the prevalence of school children who reported to be eating 5 fruits and vegetable sdaily increased significantly from 30.0% at pre-assessment to 33.2% at post-assessment, one year after (p=0.02, p=0.41 respectively). For the control group, this prevalence had significantly decreased from 40.2% at baseline to 35.0% at post-intervention, at the follow up, this proportion increased to 44.5%(p=0.001, p<10-3 respectively). Concerning smoking habits, we observed a decreasing trend in the intervention group from 5.7% at pre-assessment, to 4.8% at post-assessment and to 3.4% at the follow-up (p=0.19 and p=0.25 respectively). There was also a significant decrease in school children who did recommended physical activity in the same group.

CONCLUSION

The present work showed that interventions promoting healthy lifestyles should be maintained. Developing countries should be encouraged and supported to design, conduct, and evaluate robust preventive interventions.

Socio-demographic association of non communicable diseases' risk factors in a representative population of school children: a cross-sectional study in Sousse (Tunisia)

INTRODUCTION

A better understanding of socio-demographic characteristics of subgroups, which have a high risk to develop chronic diseases, is essential to develop more efficient interventional programs especially for youth. This study aimed to determine the association between clusters of non communicable diseases (NCDs') risk factors and the socio-demographic characteristics among a sample of Tunisian school children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted, in 2013/2014, a cross-sectional study among a proportional and stratified school children sample, selected in 17 elementary public schools in Sousse (Tunisia). A cluster analysis was used to identify different NCDs risk factors clusters, based on tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and excess weight. Subsequent χ2-tests were used to identify differences between the NCDs risk factors clusters in regards to socio-demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Four clusters of NCDs risk factors were found: 1) Cluster 1: physical inactivity behavior with normal weight, 2) Cluster 2: physical inactivity behavior associated to excess weight, 3) Cluster 3: unhealthy diet associated to excess weight and low practice of physical activity, and 4) Cluster 4: smoking behavior with physical activity behavior. The pattern of cluster membership differed across sex (<10-3), school level, and socioeconomic level (<10-3) but there was no significant difference between clusters for mother's education levels and household tenure.

CONCLUSION

This study can have important implications for health policy and practice. Indeed, it found that many subjects have simultaneous multiple NCDs risk factors which leads to identify groups at risk and implement integrated intervention program.

School-Based Intervention as a Component of a Comprehensive Community Program for Overweight and Obesity Prevention, Sousse, Tunisia, 2009-2014

Introduction

Combating obesity at an early age, by improving physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors, is vital to the prevention of more critical health concerns in adulthood. This intervention study evaluated the effectiveness of a school-based component of a community behavioral intervention on overweight and obesity rates of adolescents in Sousse, Tunisia.

Methods

A quasi-experimental school-based intervention was conducted with an intervention group (in Sousse Jawhara and Sousse Riadh) and a control group (in Sousse Msaken). The intervention (which was a physical activity and nutrition program) lasted 3 years, with data at preintervention collected during the 2009–2010 school year and at postintervention collected during the 2013–2014 school year. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analysis were used to determine the effect of the intervention on risk of excess weight.

Results

Results showed a significant increase in fruit and vegetable intake by the intervention group (P = .04). The intervention group had an increase in students in the normal weight category (P = .03) and a decrease in students in the overweight category (P = .03).The intervention effect was a protective factor against excess weight for the participating schoolchildren (OR, 0.84; P = .02).

Conclusion

This study showed that a school-based intervention is successful in increasing healthy dietary habits and in reducing risk of excess weight. It also showed the importance of a multisectoral approach to provide an environment conducive to healthy behaviors for adolescents.

Baseline characteristics of a school based intervention to prevent non communicable diseases risk factors: Project "together in Health"

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity are among the leading causes of the major non communicable diseases. So, prevention should take place early in childhood.

AIM

In this paper, we will present an overview of project "Together in health" in schools, a component of a community based intervention. It consists on a school based intervention with the aim to improve knowledge, attitudes and behaviors concerning the main chronic disease risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and smoking.

METHODS

We conducted a quasi experimental design with intervention and control groups. The study concerned pupils of colleges of Sousse aged 11 to 16 years old in 7th and 9th grade. The pre-assessment concerned a randomized sample of schoolchildren. The proportional and stratified sample was composed of 4003 schoolchildren with 1929 and 2074 respectively in intervention and control groups. We used chi square test to compare percentages with 0.05 level of significance.

RESULTS

The sex ration was been 1 in the intervention group and 0.87 in control group. The mean age of our population was been 13.48±1.29 and 13.24±1.25 respectively in intervention and control groups with significant difference (p<10-3). Schoolchildren who reported practicing physical activity daily represented 19.1% and 12.7% respectively in intervention and control groups. Concerning eating habits, the schoolchildren reported frequency (number of days per week) of consuming various foods and beverages included respectively in the intervention and control group: vegetables 3.9 days/week and 4.81 days/week, fruits 5.41 days/week and 5.7 days/week, high fat food 2.49 days/week and 2.48 days/week, sweetened beverage 3.84 days/week and 3.3 days/week, sweets 4.33 days/week and 4.57 days/week. The proportion of irregular smokers was been respectively 6.8% and 2.2% among boys and girls in the intervention group and 11.3% and 0.9% in control group.

CONCLUSION

Integrated and sustainable interventions against non communicable disease risk factors in this region are needed to prevent these diseases early in childhood.

[Clinico-biological and immunohaematological profile of patients with β-thalassemia in Tunisia: about 26 cases]

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the clinical and biological profile of β-thalassemic patients in our region, reflecting the quality of their care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study (2010-2011) on 26 β-thalassemic patients followed in the pediatrics service at CHU Farhat Hached Sousse, Tunisia. Epidemiological, clinical and biological data were collected from medical records and transfusion files of patients. The transfusion protocol adopted was to maintain a hemoglobin level>10g/dL by regular transfusions every 3-4 weeks. Iron chelation therapy, in order to maintain serum ferritin<1500ng/mL, was introduced when serum ferritin exceeded 800-1000ng/mL.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients at diagnosis was 15 months. The clinical impact of anemia had resulted in failure to thrive in 54% of patients and facial dysmorphism in 23%. The average transfusion requirement was estimated at 311.02mL/kg/year with 6 cases of hyperconsumption. The immunohaematological monitoring showed the appearance of anti-RBC alloimmunization in one patient and 4 cases of autoimmunization. Poor adherence of chelation therapy was 62% and causing 5 cases of cardiac complications, 4 cases of liver injury and 14 cases of endocrine complications.

CONCLUSION

Improving the therapeutic care of β-thalassemic children requires better monitoring of transfusion recovery and improved adherence to chelation therapy.

A 1,100-year-old founder effect mutation in IL12B gene is responsible for Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease in Tunisian patients

Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD) is a rare disorder predisposing apparently healthy individuals to infections caused by weakly virulent mycobacteria such as bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), environmental mycobacteria, and poorly virulent Salmonella strains. IL-12p40 deficiency is the first reported human disease due to a cytokine gene defect and is one of the deficiencies that cause MSMD. Nine mutant alleles only have been identified in the IL12B gene, and three of them are recurrent mutations due to a founder effect in specific populations. IL-12p40 deficiency has been identified especially in countries where consanguinity is high and where BCG vaccination at birth is universal. We investigated, in such settings, the clinical, cellular, and molecular features of six IL-12p40-deficient Tunisian patients having the same mutation in IL12B gene (c.298_305del). We found that this mutation is inherited as a common founder mutation arousing ~1,100 years ago. This finding facilitates the development of a preventive approach by genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis especially in affected families.

Giant cell hepatitis with autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a nine month old infant

Giant cell hepatitis (GCH) with autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare entity, limited to young children, with an unknown pathogenesis. We report the case of 9-mo old who presented with fever, diarrhea and jaundice four days before hospitalization. Physical examination found pallor, jaundice and hepatosplenomegaly. The laboratory workup showed serum total bilirubin at 101 μmol/L, conjugated bilirubin at 84 μmol/L, hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-C3d positive direct Coombs’ test. The antinuclear, anti-smooth muscle and liver kidney microsomes 1 non-organ specific autoantibodies, antiendomisium antibodies were negative. Serological assays for viral hepatitis B and C, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex and Epstein Barr virus were negative. The association of acute liver failure, Evan’s syndrome, positive direct Coomb’s test of mixed type (IgG and C3) and the absence of organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies suggested the diagnosis of GCH. The diagnosis was confirmed by a needle liver biopsy. The patient was treated by corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapy and azathioprine but died with septicemia.

Cervical unicentric Castleman's disease in children

INTRODUCTION

Unicentric Castleman's disease (CD) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative disorder. A cervical location has rarely been reported in the pediatric literature.

CASE REPORT

A 13-year-old boy presented with a mass in the right neck region of 3 months' evolution. Clinical examination revealed a smooth mobile 5 cm node deep in the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The diagnosis of hyaline vascular type CD was confirmed by complete surgical excision and histopathologic examination. Postoperative course was simple, without recurrence over 1 year's follow-up.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Cervically located CD often shows few symptoms, and is rarely suggested by a cervical mass found in children. Definitive diagnosis is histopathological. The hyaline vascular type of unicentric CD has a good prognosis after complete resection of the lesion.

[Comparative study of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the severity diagnosis of pyelonephritis in children]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to compare two biologic parameters; C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) in the detection of acute renal lesions assessed by DMSA scintigraphy in the urinary tract infection in child.

DESIGN

In a prospective study, serum PCT, CRP and leukocyte counts were measured for children admitted, between January and December 2010, with a first episode of febrile urinary tract infection.

RESULTS

Seventy-five children were enrolled in the study. Thirty-three patients had renal lesions (group A) and 42 had a normal DMSA scintigraphy (group B). The mean PCT level was significantly higher in group A than in group B (8.81 ng/mL versus 1.7 ng/mL, P=0.01). In this study, using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, we identified that the optimal cut-off value with ideal sensitivity and specificity for PCT in detection of renal lesions was 0.76 ng/mL and for CRP, it was 70 mg/L. The sensitivity, the negative predictive value and the indice of Youden of the cut-off value of PCT were significantly higher than CRP (82% versus 70%; 84% versus 70% and 0.58 versus 0.25).

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that the serum PCT level was more sensitive and specific than the CRP in the detection of renal lesions in the first urinary tract infection in child.

[Hepatopulmonary syndrome: a complication of type 1 Gaucher disease]

Gaucher's disease is a not exceptional lysosomial disease in Tunisia. Type 1 is by far the most common one. Pulmonary involvement is considered to be rare in type 1 Gaucher's disease. Pulmonary hypertension, infiltration of the lungs with Gaucher cells, and severe hypoxemia due to intrapulmonary arterial-venous shunts, have been described in case reports and small case series. We reported the case of hepatopulmonary syndrome in a 14-year-old boy with type 1 Gaucher disease. The diagnosis of Gaucher disease was established, at 2 years age, by enzyme assay of leucocyte β-glucosidase. The patient presented dyspnoea, digital clubbing and cyanosis of the lips. The arterial blood gas found severe hypoxaemia with PaO(2) at 56.9 mmHg. The diagnosis of hepatopulmonary syndrome, in our patient, was confirmed by demonstration of the intrapulmonary shunting using contrast-enhanced echocardiography and the technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin. The patient was treated by symptomatic measure, long term oxygen therapy because the insufficiency of the enzyme replacement therapy. Screening for hypoxemia in children with liver disease should be considered.

Thyroid-related autoantibodies in Tunisian patients with type 1 diabetes

AIM

To evaluate, retrospectively, the frequency of antithyroid antibodies (ATA) in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab), antithyroglobulin antibodies (TG-Ab), and antithyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies (TSHR-Ab) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera of 312 patients (166 children and 146 adults) with T1D were analyzed. Sera of 276 healthy subjects (87 children and 189 blood donors) served as controls.

RESULTS

Out of 312 patients with T1D, 44 (14%) had ATA (TPO-Ab or TG-Ab or TSHR-Ab). The frequency of ATA in patients with T1D was significantly higher than in the control group (14% vs. 2.8%; p<10(-5)). ATA were significantly more frequent in adult patients with T1D than in the blood donor group (20% vs. 1.6%; p<10(-8)). The frequency of ATA in adult patients was significantly higher than in pediatric patients (20% vs. 9%; p=0.006). The frequency of TPO-Ab and TG-Ab was significantly higher in patients with T1D than in the control group (13.5% vs. 2%; p<10(-8) and 7% vs. 2.2%, p=0.008), respectively. Out of 312 patients with T1D, only one had TSHR-Ab. The simultaneous presence of three autoantibodies was found in one patient with T1D.

CONCLUSION

ATA were frequent in patients with T1D. Serological screening of autoimmune thyroid disease is suggested in patients with T1D.

[Seroprevalence and risk factors of human herpes virus 8 infection in Central-East Tunisia]

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiology of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) is still unknown in Tunisia. We aimed to assess the prevalence of HHV8 infection in adults and children from Central-East Tunisia and in patients with high risk of parenteral or sexual infection.

METHODS

We enrolled 553 subjects: 116 blood donors, 100 pregnant women, 100 children, 50 subjects with sexually transmitted infections with positive HIV serology and 50 other without HIV infection, 107 multitransfused patients and 30 kidney transplant patients. Antibodies against HHV8 were tested using a sensitive indirect immunofluorescence assay.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of HHV8 was found to be 13.8% in blood donors, 13% in pregnant women and 12% in children. In healthy adult population, no association was found between HHV8 seropositivity and sex, sociodemographic characteristics, parenteral risk factors or serological markers of hepatitis B. Rates of HHV8 infection were significantly higher in patients having high-risk sexual behavior with or without HIV infection (P<10(-4)), in polytransfused patients (P<10(-4)) and in patients with kidney transplantation (P=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that HHV8 infection is widespread in Central-East Tunisia such as in the Mediterranean area. HHV8 infection appears to be acquired early in life, probably through saliva. HHV8 transmission by blood transfusion, subject of controversy in literature, is well established in our study. Early screening of this infection should be considered in populations with high risk of Kaposi's sarcoma in our areas.

[Viral infection risk in polytransfused adults: seroprevalence of seven viruses in central Tunisia]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of seven transfusion-transmitted viruses in polytransfused adults and children comparatively with a group of healthy control subjects. We studied 107 polytransfused patients (59 adults and 48 children) and 160 control subjects (100 blood donors and 60 children). Immunoenzymatic tests were used for detection of HBs antigen (HBs Ag), antibodies against hepatitis C Virus (anti-HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (anti-HIV), and IgG antibodies against human cytomegalovirus (IgG anti-CMV), human parvovirus B19 (IgG anti-PB19), and hepatitis E virus (IgG anti-HEV). An immunofluorescent assay was performed for the detection of human herpesvirus 8 antibodies (anti-HHV8). Prevalence of HBs Ag, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, IgG anti-CMV, IgG anti-PB19, IgG anti-HEV, and anti-HHV8 in polytransfused group was 8.4, 4.7, 0, 86.9, 60.7, 28.9, and 47.6%, respectively, and 1.8, 0.6, 0, 86.2, 53.1, 10, and 12.5%, respectively, in the control group. The difference in prevalence between the two groups was statistically significant for HBs Ag (P = 0.01), anti-HCV (P = 0.03), IgG anti-HEV (P < 10(-4)), and IgG anti-HHV8 (P < 10(-4)). Categorization according to age showed that hepatitis B and C risk was limited in adult polytransfused group. HHV8 infection was higher in polytransfused subjects born before the use of leucocyte-depleted blood components. Our results corroborate literature data on the risk of HEV and HHV8 infection by blood transfusion. Hepatitis B vaccination and improvement in screening tests have an important role in reduction of hepatitis B and C risk in transfusion, especially in young polytransfused persons. However, a residual risk of transmitting viral infections persists, and efforts are needed to improve transfusion safety.

Digestive malacoplakia in children: case report

Malacoplakia is a form of chronic granulomatous inflammatory reaction that rarely affects the pediatric age group. The gastrointestinal system is the second most common site for the occurrence of malacoplakia. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who was hospitalized for abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and rectal hemorrhage. The endoscopic examinations and histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of intestinal malacoplakia. We successfully treated her with oral levofloxacin. This disease does not have any specific clinical or biological signs, and the diagnosis is exclusively based on histology.

[Epidemiological and bacteriological characteristics of uropathogen bacteria isolated in a pediatric environment]

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is a grave pathology, which requires a fast and effective care. Bacteriological and epidemiological data play a determining role in patient's care. We report a retrospective study, which spreads out from January 1st till August 31st, 2009, having concerned hospitalized children for urinary infection in pediatrics service of Farhat Hached teaching hospital in Sousse. Our series contained 51 children with a sex ratio of 0.76, an average age of 32 months. The majority of cases was pyelonephritis (94.1%). A pathology is associated with the urinary infection in 41.2%. Three cases of vesico-ureteral reflux were noted. The diagnosis of urinary infection was confirmed by cytobacteriological exam of urine (CBEU). Enterobacteriacea were isolated in 96.1%. Escherichia coli remains the most often isolated (80.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.8%) then by Proteus mirabilis (5.9%). E. coli was resistant to amoxicillin in 78% of cases, to the association amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in 64,8%, to cephalosporins of 3(rd) generation (C3G) in 5% and to cotrimoxazole in 51%. No K. pneumoniae or P. mirabilis strain was resistant to C3G. UTI in children is always an indication for CBEU realization at first intention. The results of this exam are very important considering the diversity of the responsible bacteria and the growing frequency of acquired antibiotic resistance.