Cardiac Complications of Salmonella enterica: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) is a significant cause of bloodstream infections, especially in developing countries.
• Cardiac complications, including myocarditis and endocarditis, are serious sequelae of S. enterica bacteremia, particularly in high-risk individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the cardiac manifestations of Salmonella enterica infections.
• To discuss diagnostic approaches and management strategies for S. enterica-related cardiac complications.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of S. enterica bloodstream infections and their cardiac involvement.
• Analysis of diagnostic techniques, including culture, immunoblotting, and PCR.
• Evaluation of treatment guidelines for uncomplicated and complicated cases.

Main Results:

• Myocarditis is a frequent complication, leading to symptoms like fever, chest pain, dyspnea, and potentially cardiogenic shock.
• Salmonella endocarditis, though rare, often involves the mitral valve and carries a high mortality rate due to complications like valve perforation.
• Arrhythmias, such as AV block and ventricular fibrillation, are common, primarily linked to myocarditis.

Conclusions:

• Early identification of S. enterica cardiac involvement is critical for effective management.
• Treatment varies from supportive care to antibiotics like fluoroquinolones or cephalosporins, depending on infection severity.
• Implementing timely diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic interventions can significantly lower morbidity and mortality associated with S. enterica infections.