Concurrent infection with S.typhi and V. cholerae--a case report"

S S Tankhiwale1, V S Dani, S V Jalgaonkar

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College, Nagpur 400 008.

Insights

A child with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever was initially treated, but symptoms persisted, indicating a potential dual infection. Microbial investigations confirmed a co-infection with Salmonella Typhi and Vibrio Cholerae.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Gastrointestinal infections are common in children, often presenting with diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent complications and ensure recovery.

Observation:

  • An 8-year-old male child presented with severe gastrointestinal symptoms and dehydration.
  • Despite initial treatment with tetracycline and fluid replacement, the patient developed persistent fever, gastrointestinal bleeding, and tenesmus.

Findings:

  • Microbial investigations revealed a concurrent infection with Salmonella Typhi (typhoid fever) and Vibrio Cholerae (cholera).
  • This dual infection presented a complex clinical picture, challenging initial treatment strategies.

Implications:

  • Highlights the importance of considering co-infections in pediatric patients with persistent or worsening gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Emphasizes the need for comprehensive microbial diagnostics to identify all causative agents in complex infections.
  • Informs clinical management protocols for severe pediatric gastroenteritis, particularly in endemic areas for both typhoid and cholera.

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