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Updated: May 17, 2026
A High-throughput Platform for the Screening of Salmonella spp./Shigella spp.
Published on: November 7, 2018
[Salmonella gastroenteritis in children]
Cláudia Almeida1, Diana Moreira, Ângela Machado
1Serviço de Pediatria, Centro Hospitalar Tâmega e Sousa, Unidade Padre Américo, Penafiel, Portugal.
Insights
Salmonella gastroenteritis (GE) is common in Portuguese children, particularly in rural areas during warmer months. Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium were the most frequent serotypes identified, often linked to eggs and non-potable water.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Gastroenteritis (GE) caused by Salmonella is a significant childhood illness in Portugal.
- Approximately 456 cases are reported annually, with 82% affecting children under fifteen.
- A high admission rate for Salmonella GE was observed in a level two hospital setting.
Purpose:
- To conduct a clinical and laboratorial characterization of pediatric patients with Salmonella GE admitted to a hospital.
- To analyze epidemiological data, including serotypes, age distribution, seasonality, and potential sources of infection.
Summary:
- A retrospective study identified 218 cases of Salmonella GE (2.66%) among 8195 GE admissions between 2005 and 2009.
- Salmonella enteritidis (49.1%) and Salmonella typhimurium (29.8%) were the predominant serotypes.
- Infections peaked between May and October, with associations noted between S. enteritidis and summer, and S. typhimurium and spring. Eggs and non-potable water were implicated food items.
Impact:
- The study highlights the high prevalence of Salmonella GE in a rural pediatric population and its significant impact.
- Findings underscore the importance of age-specific serotype distribution and seasonal patterns in Salmonella infections.
- Understanding these factors can inform public health interventions and prevention strategies for childhood gastroenteritis.
Introduction:
The gastroenteritis (GE) by Salmonella is an important cause of disease in childhood. In Portugal an average of 456 cases per year are notified, 82% of which before the age of fifteen.
Aim Of The Study:
Clinical and laboratorial characterization of the pediatric population with GE by Salmonella admitted in a level two hospital.
Material And Methods:
Retrospective study of patients admitted in the Emergency Room between 2005 and 2009 with Salmonella isolation in coproculture.
Results:
In 8195 admissions by GE, 218 (2.66%) cases of Salmonella GE were identified. The most frequently isolated serotypes were S. enteritidis (49.1%) and S. typhimurium (29.8%). The studied population was mostly rural (83%) with median of age of 36 months. It was registered a predominance of S. enteritidis (63.6%, p < 0.01) above 36 months and of S. typhimurium under this age (75.3%, p < 0.01). As for the annual distribution, 166 (76%) cases occurred between May and October. It was noticed an association between S. enteritidis and the summer (52.3%, p < 0.01), and between S. typhimurium and the spring (35.4%, p < 0.01). Among the food items potentially involved in the infection, eggs and non-potable water were the most mentioned. A number of 182 (83.5%) children were hospitalized, of which one with septic shock and another with secondary bacteraemia, both with good clinical evolution.
Conclusion:
The authors observed the high prevalence of Salmonella GE within the context of a rural population, as well as a high admission rate. It is to detach the potential association between the serotypes and specific food items, the prevalence in the hottest seasons of the year and its distribution by age groups.
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