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[Interaction between Salmonella and Schistosoma intercalatum]
Insights
Salmonella infections and schistosomiasis (bilharziasis) show close interactions in children. Co-infection with Schistosoma intercalatum significantly increases the risk and severity of salmonella septicaemia.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Context:
- A study in Libreville, Gabon, investigated co-infections in 118 children.
- Typhoid-like salmonella septicaemia was the focus, with a high prevalence of bilharziasis.
Purpose:
- To demonstrate the close interaction between salmonellae and Schistosoma intercalatum.
- To assess the impact of bilharziasis on salmonella septicaemia in children.
Summary:
- Bilharziasis was confirmed in 76% of children with salmonella septicaemia, compared to 38% in controls (P < 0.001).
- Minor Salmonella species were identified in 26/42 cases.
- Bilharziasis prolonged salmonella infection in 1 in 3 patients, suggesting adherence of salmonella to Schistosoma species.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant association between Salmonella and Schistosoma intercalatum infections.
- Suggests that concomitant treatment of both infections is necessary for effective management.
- Underscores the importance of considering co-infections in clinical settings, particularly in endemic areas.
Abstract:
Close interactions between salmonellae and Schistosoma intercalatum were demonstrated by a study of 118 children conducted at Libreville, Gabon. Bilharziasis, confirmed by rectal biopsy, was present in 76% of children hospitalized for typhoid-like salmonella septicaemia, as against 38% of controls of the same age living in the same district (P less than 0.001). Although the clinical symptoms were typical of typhoid fever, with stupor, myocarditis or leucopenia depending on the cases, the germs responsible in 26 out of 42 cases were salmonella species regarded as minor. Finally, the salmonella infection was clinically prolonged by bilharziasis in 1 out of 3 patients. It would therefore appear that salmonella adheres to the wall of S. intercalatum as to that of other schistosoma species, and that both infections must be treated concomitantly.