Pediatricians today must have a high index of suspicion for serious bacterial infections, and must apply vigorous, evidence-based principles of evaluation and management to each case. Febrile infants can no longer be managed with the "shotgun" protocol when evidence indicates that immunization against feared pathogens has dramatically reduced the need for such an approach. Although large, population-based studies show that acute sinusitis is almost always due to viral pathogens, the need to be aware of potential serious complications of bacterial disease still remains lest devastating outcomes emerge. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has certainly changed the landscape of common skin infections, and although most cases are mild, the need to be aware of potential, serious, life-threatening complications remains.

This issue of Pediatric Annals provides five reviews of topics pertinent to any practitioner dealing with children in the office setting. Upon completing this issue, the participant will be better equipped to detect, evaluate, and manage children with serious bacterial infections, as well as to help to improve community awareness of the need to prevent these diseases through effective public health measures.