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[Atypical course of infections with enteritis salmonellas]
Abstract:
During the six-year period from 1978-1983 968 so-called "enteritis Salmonellae" were isolated in our laboratory. 50 of them (= 5,2%) were primary isolations from extraintestinal specimens, first of all from blood, abscess smear and urine. The greater part of the patients with an atypical course of enteritis salmonellosis showed clinical signs of septicemia (44%) or local suppuration (24%). In atypical salmonellosis advanced age and sex distinctly prevailed compared to the distribution of age and sex of patients suffering from typical Salmonellae enteritis. 80% of the patients with atypical salmonellosis had mostly resistance lowering basic diseases, first of all diabetes mellitus, or were treated with immunosuppressive therapy. The spectrum of "enteritis Salmonellae" isolated only from feces during the same period differed significantly (p = 0,01) from the spectrum of Salmonellae types found in extraintestinal specimens. An atypical course was relatively often caused by S. enteritidis, S. panama and S. virchow.
Insights
Salmonella enteritis can present atypically, spreading beyond the gut to cause serious infections like septicemia. Patients with underlying conditions, such as diabetes, are at higher risk for these severe Salmonella infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
Context:
- Salmonella enteritis is typically a gastrointestinal infection.
- Extraintestinal Salmonella infections are less common but can be severe.
Purpose:
- To investigate the characteristics of Salmonella isolates from extraintestinal specimens.
- To identify risk factors and clinical presentations of atypical Salmonella infections.
Summary:
- Over a six-year period, 5.2% of Salmonella isolates were from extraintestinal sources, primarily blood, abscesses, and urine.
- Atypical Salmonella infections often presented as septicemia or local suppuration, predominantly in older patients with compromised immune systems (e.g., diabetes, immunosuppressive therapy).
- The spectrum of Salmonella serotypes causing extraintestinal infections differed significantly from fecal isolates, with S. enteritidis, S. panama, and S. virchow being common in atypical cases.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of considering Salmonella in non-gastrointestinal infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Provides insights into risk factors and clinical manifestations of invasive Salmonella disease.
- Informs diagnostic and treatment strategies for Salmonella infections beyond typical enteritis.