Severe necrotising pneumonia in a toddler: A rare presentation with dual bacterial aetiology

Abstract

Necrotising pneumonia (NP) is a rare complication of bacterial pneumonia which is associated with severe morbidity and mortality. Pneumonia of polymicrobial aetiology predicts worse pathology with fulminating clinical course. Reports of necrotising pneumonia from multiple bacterial infections are scanty in published literature. We report a case of a toddler with NP in whom Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus, two pathogens which are well documented in its aetiopathogenesis, were isolated concurrently from his sputum and blood. Severe pneumonia, which shows slow response to recommended antibiotics treatment, should raise the suspicion of NP and possibly one of the polymicrobial origins. Even in resource-constrained settings, prompt institution of antibiotics and supportive care can result in resolution of pulmonary lesions.

Keywords: Child; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Staphylococcus aureus; necrotising pneumonia.