Microbiology of Osteoarticular Infections in Patients with Sickle Hemoglobinopathies at Texas Children's Hospital, 2000-2018

The association between Salmonella spp. and osteoarticular infections in pediatric patients with major sickle hemoglobinopathies has been well established. However, the contemporary microbiology of these infections in such patients is unknown. We conducted a retrospective review of medical records at Texas Children's Hospital in Houston from 2000 to 2018 to investigate this question. Fifty cases were identified. In 23 (46%) cases, a pathogen was identified. Salmonella was the most common pathogen isolated, accounting for 61% of culture-positive cases followed by Staphylococcus aureus (21.7%).