Viral and bacterial pathogens of suspected sepsis in young infants.

Clinical and laboratory data of 27 previously normal, healthy infants 2 months of age or less who were hospitalized for suspected sepsis during a 1-year period were reviewed. Results of bacterial cultures and viral studies revealed enteroviruses (seven echoviruses, one coxsackievirus) to be the predominant pathogens identified. Other viruses identified were one each of adenovirus, untypeable hemadsorbing virus and respiratory syncytial virus. Group B streptococcal and enterococcal bacteremia and salmonellosis were diagnosed in one case each. Gram-negative bacillary urinary tract infections occurred in two patients. No pathogens were identified in 11 patients. Although these data indicate an important role for enteroviruses in this syndrome during summer and fall, we believe that the occult bacteremia found in 7% of our patients justifies initial antibiotic therapy in very young infants with suspected sepsis.