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

T Borger1, S M Mulder-de Tollenaer1, E J d'Haens1

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Isala, Zwolle, The Netherlands.

Journal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
|January 5, 2026
PubMed

Insights

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:
Salmonellameningitisneonatepremature

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