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Pancreatic disturbances and typhoid fever
P Hermans1, M Gerard, Y van Laethem
1Division of Infectious Diseases, St. Pierre University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella typhi, frequently leads to pancreatitis. This study highlights the importance of considering pancreatitis as a complication in typhoid fever patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Pathogen Research
Background:
- Typhoid fever is a systemic infection caused by Salmonella Typhi.
- Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, often associated with alcohol or gallstones.
- The link between typhoid fever and pancreatitis is not well-established.
Observation:
- A study evaluated 14 adult patients hospitalized with confirmed Salmonella Typhi infection.
- Serum amylase and lipase levels were measured to assess pancreatic disturbance.
- Biological signs of pancreatitis were observed in 50% of patients.
Findings:
- Elevated amylase and lipase levels indicated pancreatitis in 7 patients.
- Clinical signs of pancreatitis were present in 4 cases.
- One patient had concurrent Salmonella biliary tract infection and gallstones; others had pancreatic swelling without gallstones.
Implications:
- Typhoid fever may be an underrecognized cause of non-alcoholic, non-lithiasic pancreatitis.
- Salmonella Typhi should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pancreatitis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the pathogenesis of typhoid-induced pancreatitis.