Salmonella meningitis due to horizontal transmission in an extremely premature neonate: A case report

T Borger ¹, S M Mulder-de Tollenaer ¹, E J d'Haens ¹

⁰Department of Neonatology, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands.

Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine +

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January 5, 2026

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

A rare Salmonella Typhimurium infection caused sepsis and meningitis in a premature infant, leading to a fatal outcome. Early maternal diagnosis is crucial to prevent infant sepsis and meningitis transmission.

Area Of Science

Neonatal Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Pediatric Neurology

Background

Salmonellosis is a common foodborne illness in adults.
Meningitis is a rare but severe complication of Salmonella infection, with high mortality and neurological sequelae.
Premature infants possess immature immune systems, increasing susceptibility to invasive infections.

Purpose Of The Study

To report an unusual case of Salmonella group B, serotype Typhimurium sepsis and meningitis in a premature neonate.
To describe unique neuroimaging findings of cerebral injury secondary to Salmonella infection.
To emphasize the importance of maternal diagnostic evaluation for preventing neonatal infections.

Main Methods

Case report of a 27-week premature neonate with sepsis and meningitis.
Analysis of horizontal transmission from mother to child.
Review of neuroimaging findings and clinical outcomes.

Main Results

The neonate experienced Salmonella Typhimurium sepsis and meningitis, resulting in a fatal outcome.
Neuroimaging revealed cerebral injury attributed to the infection.
Horizontal transmission from mother to child was identified as the source.

Conclusions

Prompt diagnosis of maternal non-specific symptoms like fever or abdominal pain is vital for vulnerable preterm infants.
Maternal cultures (blood, stool, vaginal) may be warranted to identify Salmonella and minimize horizontal transmission.
This case underscores the severe risks of invasive Salmonella infections in neonates and the need for vigilant maternal screening.

Keywords:

Salmonella meningitis neonate premature