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Encephalopathy associated with Salmonella enteritidis infection
K Martin1, M Sharland, E G Davies
1Department of Child Health, St. George's Hospital Medical School, London, England.
Abstract:
A 15-year-old boy who presented with a short history of a diarrhoeal illness associated with encephalopathic features is described. Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 was cultured from his stool. Although encephalopathy in the absence of CNS infection or electrolyte disturbance is well described in enteric fever, it is very rare in infections with non-typhoidal Salmonella serotypes and has not previously been described in association with S. enteritidis infection.
Insights
A rare case of Salmonella enteritidis infection caused encephalopathy in a 15-year-old boy. This neurological complication is uncommon with non-typhoidal Salmonella, highlighting a unique clinical presentation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enteric fever, commonly caused by Salmonella Typhi, is known to present with encephalopathy.
- Neurological complications in non-typhoidal Salmonella infections are less common.
- Salmonella enteritidis is a frequent cause of gastroenteritis.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with diarrhea and encephalopathic features.
- Stool culture confirmed Salmonella enteritidis phage type 4 infection.
- No central nervous system infection or electrolyte imbalance was identified.
Findings:
- This case represents the first documented instance of encephalopathy associated with Salmonella enteritidis infection.
- The patient's encephalopathy occurred in the absence of typical causes like CNS infection or electrolyte disturbances.
- The findings suggest a potential direct or indirect neurotoxic effect of this specific Salmonella serotype.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of Salmonella enteritidis.
- It underscores the importance of considering non-typhoidal Salmonella in cases of unexplained encephalopathy, even without typical enteric fever signs.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind Salmonella-induced encephalopathy in non-typhoidal infections.