We adopted an African American child last year who had a bone infection called osteomyelitis. Is this something any child can get? What causes it?

Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone caused by a bacteria, fungi, parasites, or virus. Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection) is the most common cause.

The infectious agent enters the body through an open wound or the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The infection has the capability to spread quickly through the bloodstream, resulting in septicemia (blood poisoning) or an infectious joint.

African-American children do seem more susceptible than Caucasians. The reason for this isn’t clear. Some experts have suggested an economic basis. But Hispanic children have less chance of developing osteomyelitis and their economic situation usually isn’t any different than the African-American population.

The most common risk factors for acute osteomyelitis in children include puncture wounds, burns, open fracture or other trauma. Surgery especially with implanted orthopedic devices (metal plates, screws, joint replacements) are additional factors that can increase the risk of developing osteomyelitis.

A preexisting infection such as impetigo, boils, chickenpox, or sinus, ear, dental, soft tissue, or respiratory infection starts the process. If untreated, if treatment is delayed, or if the person’s immune system is compromised, the infection can spread through the blood system to other parts of the body.