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[Salmonella-meningitis in the newborn (author's transl)]
Insights
Group D salmonellosis affected six neonates, with two developing severe extraintestinal symptoms. Breastfeeding protected infants, highlighting its importance in preventing neonatal infections.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal infectious diseases
- Microbiology
- Public health
Background:
- Neonatal units are susceptible to infectious outbreaks.
- Group D Salmonella can cause severe illness in newborns.
Observation:
- Six of twelve neonates in a unit contracted Group D salmonellosis.
- Two neonates developed severe extraintestinal manifestations, including septicemia and meningitis.
- One neonate died from disseminated intravascular coagulation and pyocephalus.
Findings:
- The mother of one neonate was identified as the source of infection.
- Only neonates fed artificial formula contracted salmonellosis.
- Neonates receiving breast milk showed no clinical illness and had negative stool cultures.
Implications:
- Breastfeeding appears to be protective against Group D Salmonella infection in neonates.
- Strict hygiene protocols and source identification are crucial in neonatal units.
- Prompt antibiotic therapy, such as with chloramphenicol and ampicillin, can be effective in treating severe cases.
Abstract:
Six children, out of twelve in a neonatal unit suffered from group D salmonellosis. Two patients presented in addition to intestinal manifestations massive extraintestinal symptoms, both with septicemia and meningitis. One patient died on the fourth day from massive disseminated intravascular coagulation and pyocephalus. The other patient had a complete recovery after an antibiotic therapy with chloramphenicol and ampicillin. As the source of infection the mother of case 1 was identified. In her stools salmonella group D were cultured. Cultures of the ward-personals, stool and the food were negative. It should be mentioned that only children fed with artificial food suffered from salmonellosis; whereas children on breastmilk had an unremarkable clinical course and consistantly negative stoolcultures.