Epidemiology of Invasive Bacterial Infections in Children With Sickle Cell Disease in France Between 2020 and 2025

Children with sickle cell disease are at high risk of invasive bacterial infections, which may lead to serious complications. Preventive measures, including antibiotic prophylaxis and vaccination, have changed the epidemiology of these infections over time. New pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have recently become available, and updated data are needed to better understand which bacteria are currently responsible for invasive infections in this population. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe the bacterial distribution of invasive bacterial infections in children with sickle cell disease in France between 2020 and 2025. The results may help improve knowledge of these infections and guide future prevention strategies, including antibiotic management and vaccination policies.

Inclusion Criteria * Children with sickle cell disease aged under 18 years * Hospitalized between January 2020 and December 2025 * Hospitalized for an invasive bacterial infection clinically defined as meningitis, pleuropneumonia, osteoarticular infection, or primary bacteremia * Bacterium identified by culture or PCR Exclusion Criteria * Opposition from the child or his/her parents * Bacterium identified by serology * Urinary tract infection