[Salmonellosis in Poland in 2002]

Total number of salmonellosis cases slightly increased. In 2002, 20,688 cases were reported (19,881 in previous year), incidence rate = 54.1 per 100,000 population. 68% of patients were hospitalized, but percentage of hospitalized cases with extraintestinal manifestations was much higher--above 91%. The seasonal peak was observed as in previous year in July and August. Since 1995 (when Salmonella strains were isolated in 91% patients) decreasing trend in confirmation of clinical diagnosis is observed. The most frequent isolated type remained Salmonella Enteritidis--above 86% of cases. Only four other serotypes (Typhimurium, Hadar, Virchow and Infantis) were detected in all of 16 voivodeships of Poland. The age, sex, urban/rural distribution of salmonellosis cases remains stable; the highest incidence was registered among children aged 2 (474.0/100,000). Extraintestinal manifestations of salmonellosis (septicaemia, meningitis, pneumonia peritonitis and other) were observed in 113 patients (the highest number since 1994).