Antibiotic treatment for common pediatric infectious diseases

Management of common bacterial infections in children requires knowledge of the most common pathogens and the use of appropriate antibiotics to eradicate these pathogens. Many childhood bacterial infections are significantly different in cause and severity from the same disease processes in adults. Age and immunization status help in determining the most likely causes of bacterial pneumonia in children. Empiric therapy for cellulitis in children requires knowledge of the local epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus infection. In children with chronic lymphadenitis, nontuberculous mycobacteria and Bartonella henselae need to be considered as possible causes. When a urinary tract infection is suspected in a child, the method of urine collection is of utmost importance in obtaining an accurate diagnosis.