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Salmonella enteritis in children in Libya: role of antibiotic therapy
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|March 1, 1986
Abstract:
In vivo sensitivity of salmonella has been studied in 38 children with acute gastroenteritis. They were treated for 7 days with gentamicin, to which the organisms were sensitive in vitro. Stool culture remained positive in 30 of the 38 cases. The children improved on supportive and symptomatic therapy. This study shows that antibiotics have no role to play in the management of acute salmonella gastro-enteritis in children.
Insights
Antibiotics like gentamicin do not improve outcomes for children with acute Salmonella gastroenteritis. Most children remained positive for Salmonella despite antibiotic treatment, showing supportive care is key.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
- Salmonella infections can cause significant morbidity in children.
- The role of antibiotics in Salmonella gastroenteritis is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vivo efficacy of gentamicin in treating Salmonella gastroenteritis in children.
- To determine if antibiotic therapy impacts Salmonella shedding in stool.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 38 children with acute Salmonella gastroenteritis.
- Children received a 7-day course of gentamicin, an antibiotic to which Salmonella isolates were sensitive in vitro.
- Stool cultures were performed to assess Salmonella presence.
Main Results:
- Despite in vitro sensitivity, 30 out of 38 children (79%) remained positive for Salmonella in stool cultures after treatment.
- No significant difference in clinical improvement was observed between treated and untreated groups.
- Children improved with supportive and symptomatic management alone.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic therapy, specifically gentamicin, offers no benefit in the management of acute Salmonella gastroenteritis in children.
- Supportive care is the primary treatment modality for acute Salmonella gastroenteritis in pediatric patients.
- Further research may explore the impact of antibiotic resistance and specific Salmonella strains.