Surveillance for invasive meningococcal disease in children, US-Mexico border, 2005-2008.

We reviewed confirmed cases of pediatric invasive meningococcal disease in Tijuana, Mexico, and San Diego County, California, USA, during 2005-2008. The overall incidence and fatality rate observed in Tijuana were similar to those found in the US, and serogroup distribution suggests that most cases in Tijuana are vaccine preventable.

Severe mycotic keratoconjunctivitis caused by Fusarium sp. in an immunocompetent child successfully treated with intravenous voriconazole and keratoplasty: case report and short review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric mycotic infections in the eye are uncommon. However, ophthalmic infections by several fungal species have been described in immunocompetent subjects. Mycotic keratitis with or without conjunctivitis (MK) may account for more than 50% of all cases, particularly in tropical and sub-tropical areas. The leading mechanism is trauma. Treatment of MK is managed by medical (antifungal agents) and/or surgical means. This is the first case report of a patient with MK by Fusarium spp. successfully treated with keratoplasty and intravenous voriconazole, along with topical natamycin. METHODS: Keratoplasty was performed and cultures obtained. Both Blood and Sabouraud Agars were used for cultures, and Lactophenol Cotton Blue Staining for microscopic observation. RESULTS: A healthy, 10 year-old female, from the sub-tropical area of Sinaloa, Mexico, was admitted at both the CODET Vision Institute and the General Hospital of Tijuana, Mexico. Seven days after a direct trauma of the right cornea, the patient complained of progressive blurred vision, burning sensation, and itchiness. Clinical examination showed severe keratoconjunctivitis, and a necrotic slough on the cornea. Fungal colonies grew, and microscopic visualization showed typical ovoid, sickle-cell shaped macroconidia characteristics of Fusarium spp. The patient received intravenous voriconazole (200 mg every 12 h) and topical natamycin for 7 days prior and 6 days after keratoplasty. Topical natamycin was continued for 3 weeks. At 1-month follow-up, the patient's outcome was significantly improved, with 90% vision recovery. CONCLUSION: This is the first pediatric case report of severe MK by Fusarium spp. successfully treated with combined intravenous voriconazole, keratoplasty and topical natamycin.

Pneumococcal disease: emergence of serotypes 19A and 7F following conjugate pneumococcal vaccination in a Mexican hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Mexico was the country to initiate massive vaccination with heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV-7) in children. There is no information regarding pneumococcal invasive disease (PID) in children before and after implementation of PCV-7 in Mexico or elsewhere in Latin America. METHODOLOGY: During October 2005 to September 2010, active surveillance for pediatric PID was initiated at Tijuana General Hospital. Only culture-confirmed cases from sterile fluids were included in the study. Serotype identification was also performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight pediatric PID cases were confirmed. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the main cause of pleural empyema (n = 13). It was also the second most common cause of confirmed bacterial meningitis (n = 10), followed by Neisseria meningitidis (n = ?), and the only cause of otomastoiditis with bacterial isolation (n = 5). Vaccine-associated serotypes decreased from 54% before PCV-7 introduction to the vaccination schedule, to only 5.6% after PCV-7 implementation. Serotypes 19A and 7F (47% and 33% respectively were predominant following PCV-7 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Serotype substitution in PID is present in the northern border of Mexico following PCV-7 vaccination in children.