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[Meningitis caused by Salmonella]
Abstract:
The clinical and laboratory characteristics of eleven cases of bacterial meningitis due to Salmonella, are reviewed. Meningitis was more common in children under the age of 13 months. In younger children the symptoms and neurological signs were not evident. Convulsive disorders and neurological coma were the most frequent complications in 4 and 5 cases respectively. The mortality ratio was high, 36% (4 patients) and the neurological sequelae were very important: two patients presented spastic paralytic alterations and other two had hydrocephalia. The main findings in the cerebral spinal fluid were: increased leukocytes and proteins with low glucose determinations; comparing with other purulent meningitis, mononuclear cells were predominant over polymorphonuclear cells in 7 cases (64%). Salmonella was isolated in all cases; Salmonella typhi was recovered in 3 cases; one had group "C" Salmonella and 7 cases Salmonella group "B". These cases were treated with either chloramphenicol or ampicillin.
Insights
Salmonella meningitis is a severe infection, particularly in infants under 13 months. This bacterial meningitis presents with high mortality and significant neurological complications, requiring prompt treatment.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
- Neurology
Context:
- Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection of the central nervous system.
- Salmonella species are an uncommon cause of meningitis, especially in developed countries.
- Neonatal and infant meningitis pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
Purpose:
- To review the clinical and laboratory features of eleven cases of bacterial meningitis caused by Salmonella.
- To identify risk factors, complications, and outcomes associated with Salmonella meningitis.
- To evaluate treatment strategies for Salmonella meningitis.
Summary:
- Eleven cases of Salmonella meningitis were analyzed, predominantly affecting children under 13 months.
- Common complications included convulsive disorders and neurological coma, with a high mortality rate (36%).
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed elevated leukocytes and proteins with low glucose, often with a lymphocytic predominance.
Impact:
- Highlights the severe clinical presentation and poor prognosis of Salmonella meningitis in young children.
- Underscores the importance of considering Salmonella in the differential diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, especially in infants.
- Informs treatment decisions, suggesting chloramphenicol or ampicillin as therapeutic options.