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Published on: June 11, 2011

Salmonella enteritidis meningitis in a first time diagnosed AIDS patient: case report

Chrisostomos Katsenos1, Nectarios Anastasopoulos, Maria Patrani

  • 1Red Cross Hospital of Athens Korgialeneio-Benakeio, Intensive Care Unit, Athanasaki 1 str, Ampelokipoi 11526 Athens, Greece. kats_ch@otenet.gr

Cases Journal
|June 26, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

This case study highlights a fatal Salmonella Enteritidis meningitis in an undiagnosed HIV-positive patient. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this severe infection in immunocompromised individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Neurology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Salmonella Enteritidis meningitis is a rare but severe infection.
  • Undiagnosed Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can increase susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
  • Meningitis in patients with low CD4(+) cell counts presents a diagnostic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report a case of Salmonella Enteritidis meningitis in a patient with previously unknown HIV infection.
  • To emphasize the importance of considering HIV in patients with severe bacterial meningitis.
  • To highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing invasive Salmonella infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Main Methods:

  • Case report of a patient admitted to a tertiary hospital's adult intensive care unit.
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood cultures were performed.
  • Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIZA) for HIV and CD4(+) cell count were conducted.

Main Results:

  • The patient presented with fever, nuchal rigidity, and confusion, initially with a non-diagnostic CSF.
  • Subsequent CSF and blood cultures confirmed Salmonella Enteritidis.
  • ELIZA confirmed HIV infection with a CD4(+) cell count of 16/mm3.
  • The patient developed septic shock and died eight days after admission.

Conclusions:

  • Salmonella Enteritidis meningitis can be a rapidly fatal complication in patients with undiagnosed advanced HIV.
  • Aggressive diagnostic workup, including HIV testing, is essential in patients with suspected meningitis and sepsis.
  • Prompt and appropriate antimicrobial therapy and intensive care are critical for improving outcomes.

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