Helicobacter cinaedi Bacteremia in Children: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Helicobacter cinaedi is known to cause invasive infections in immunocompromised adults. Here we report the first case of H. cinaedi bacteremia in a child with nephrotic syndrome. The patient presented with a mild transient febrile illness that resolved spontaneously. We discuss the diagnostic challenges associated with this case and the microbiologic approach, including genomic analysis. Furthermore, we review the current case together with all previous pediatric cases (n = 6). Notably, all cases involved neonates or otherwise immunocompromised individuals and were characterized by severe disease with complicated infections (eg, meningitis, cholangitis and arthritis). H. cinaedi bacteremia in children is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from mild to life-threatening conditions. This bacterium may be difficult to diagnose and require specialized methods.