This study analysed the clinical and bacteriological patterns of paediatric bacteraemia in a university hospital, by a review of 213 episodes over a period of 7 y. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most frequent aetiological agent after the neonatal period and Streptococcus agalactiae in neonatal sepsis. Almost half of pneumococci and meningococci were penicillin non‐susceptible. Four neonatal deaths attributed to bacteraemia were recorded. Conclusion: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the leading cause of community‐acquired bacteraemia. Mortality due to bacteraemia in children without underlying conditions is rare.

In 2016, while 84% of boys and girls in the highest socioeconomic level attended some preschool program, only 31% of those in the lowest did so.