Eikenella corrodens infections in children and adolescents: case reports and review of the literature.

Eikenella corrodens is a slow-growing, gram-negative, nonmotile, facultative rod that can cause infection in humans. Although the clinical characteristics of Eikenella infections in adults are well described, the literature regarding Eikenella infections in children is lacking. Thirteen cases of Eikenella infection in children and adolescents reported from a hospital and an additional 41 cases from the literature were reviewed. Eikenella species can be serious pediatric pathogens, particularly when there is an exposure to human oral secretions. Empirical therapy used to manage most oropharyngeal flora may be ineffective against Eikenella species. The treatment of choice for children and adolescents who are infected with Eikenella species includes a combination of surgical management and antibiotics.