Microbiological Spectrum of Osteoarticular Infections and Their Management in Mongolian Children

Abstract

Introduction . Osteoarticular infections (OI) in children cause considerable morbidity with associated long-lasting sequelae. Comprehensive clinical and microbiological data in Mongolian children are missing. Objectives . To generate epidemiological, clinical and microbiological data on osteoarticular infections (OI) in Mongolian children after the introduction of a standardized management protocol. Methods . A prospective study was done between 2019 and 2022 at the only tertiary pediatric hospital in Mongolia. Results . Forty-two children presented with septic arthritis (SA), 6 with osteomyelitis (OM) and 23 with combined SA and OM. Newborns and young infants (≤3 months) comprised 38.%. A causative organism was identified in 38 children: Staphylococcus aureus (n = 31), Klebsiella spp (n = 3), Enterobacter spp (n = 2), Enterobacter spp + Klebsiella spp (n = 1) and Candida albicans (n = 1). Five children (7%) had sequelae. Mongolian children with OI were younger compared to other cohorts. Conclusion . A standardized protocol for the management of OI in children was taken up well by the patients and treating staff leading to improved pathogen detection, facilitating antimicrobial stewardship in the future.