[Salmonella infection in children. Epidemiological and clinical considerations (author's transl)]

An analysis of data on Salmonella infection treated at the Children's Hospital "La Fe", in Valencia, from 1974--75 is presentd. A patient population of 211 selected cases were divided into two groups: Gastroenteritis (GEC), 155 cases, and typhoid-paratyphoid fever (T-P F), 56 cases. Hospitalization was required in 79% of the cases. The following parameter were studied: Locality and district of origin with respect to residence, conditions of hygiene, size of family: age, sex, seasonal incidence, previous time of illness, presenting symptoms and physical sings and complementary studies. The following conclusions were obtained: Salmonella infection are and endemic problem in Valencia. Their incidence is maximal during the months of June to October. Epidemiological environment was positive in 15% of the cases. Higher morbidity in children less than two years of age. Most frequent presenting symptoms: Diarrhea, fever and vomiting as often in GEC as in T-P F. In 38.7% of GEC cases, the diarrhea was bloody; 21.9% of GEC cases began with fever. Salmonella paratyphi B was the agent most frequently responsible. Data concerning sex, family size, conditions of hygiene and white blood cells offer little discriminatory information. Results obtained are concordant with those described in the literature.