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Enteric fever with severe pancytopenia in a four year girl

R Pathak1, A Sharma, A Khanal

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Nepal Medical College Teaching Hospital, Jorpati, Kathmandu, Nepal. findranjanhere@hotmail.com

JNMA; Journal of the Nepal Medical Association
|November 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Enteric fever, a serious illness, can cause severe pancytopenia (low blood cell counts). This case highlights bone marrow suppression as a key mechanism in developing countries like Nepal.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Enteric fever, caused by Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi, is a significant public health concern in developing nations, particularly Nepal.
  • Pancytopenia, a reduction in all blood cell types, has been observed in some enteric fever cases.
  • Potential causes for pancytopenia in enteric fever include bone marrow suppression, hemophagocytic syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation.

Observation:

  • This report details a case of severe pancytopenia in a patient diagnosed with enteric fever.
  • The observed pancytopenia was a direct consequence of the systemic infection impacting bone marrow function.

Findings:

  • Severe pancytopenia was identified as a complication of enteric fever.
  • Bone marrow suppression due to systemic Salmonella infection was determined to be the primary cause of pancytopenia in this case.

Implications:

  • Understanding the mechanisms of pancytopenia in enteric fever is crucial for effective patient management.
  • This case underscores the importance of monitoring blood counts in patients with enteric fever, especially in resource-limited settings.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of enteric fever-associated hematological complications is warranted.

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