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Neonatal Salmonella panama infection with meningitis
A A Kostiala1, M Westerstråhle, M Muttilainen
1Jorvi Hospital, Espoo, Finland.
Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|October 1, 1992
Abstract:
Three full-term neonates contracted a hospital infection with Salmonella panama derived from the mother of one. Two had bacteraemia and meningitis; one developed a brain abscess and the other recurrent meningitis at two months. The third neonate had gastroenteritis only. Six months later they had developed normally and two were still excreting salmonellae in the stools.
Insights
Neonatal Salmonella Panama infection from a mother caused severe illness, including meningitis and brain abscess, in two infants. While most infants recovered, two continued to shed Salmonella bacteria six months later.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infections
- Infectious diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Neonatal infections pose significant risks to infant health.
- Salmonella species are a common cause of bacterial infections in neonates.
- Vertical transmission of Salmonella from mother to neonate can occur.
Observation:
- Three full-term neonates acquired hospital-acquired Salmonella Panama infections from their mother.
- Two neonates developed severe complications including bacteremia, meningitis, and a brain abscess.
- One neonate experienced recurrent meningitis at two months of age.
- The third neonate presented with only gastroenteritis.
Findings:
- Despite initial severe illness, all three neonates showed normal development six months post-infection.
- Two of the affected neonates continued to excrete Salmonella in their stools six months later.
- This highlights the potential for prolonged shedding of Salmonella even after clinical recovery.
Implications:
- Neonatal Salmonella infections require prompt diagnosis and management to prevent severe outcomes.
- The findings underscore the importance of screening mothers for Salmonella during pregnancy, especially in cases of suspected transmission.
- Long-term surveillance for Salmonella shedding in neonates is crucial for controlling hospital-acquired infections.