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Salmonella and shigella bacteraemia in Zimbabwe
A D Pithie1, A S Malin, V J Robertson
1Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale, Harare.
The Central African Journal of Medicine
|June 1, 1993
Summary
Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia is significantly more common in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection compared to typhoid fever. This condition also affects those with other immunosuppressive issues.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) bacteraemia is a known complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals.
- The association between NTS and HIV has been observed in the United States and Kenya.
- Enterobacteriaceae bacteraemia is a significant concern in hospitalized patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of Enterobacteriaceae bacteraemia in patients admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital, Harare.
- To compare the prevalence of NTS bacteraemia in HIV-infected versus non-HIV-infected patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with NTS bacteraemia.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of patient records admitted to Parirenyatwa Hospital.
- Analysis of bacterial isolates, specifically Enterobacteriaceae, from blood cultures.
- Comparison of NTS bacteraemia rates between HIV-positive and HIV-negative patient groups.
Main Results:
- Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia was significantly more prevalent in HIV-infected patients compared to non-HIV-infected patients (p < 0.01).
- NTS bacteraemia was also observed in patients with other immunosuppressive conditions.
- Some cases of NTS bacteraemia occurred in patients without identifiable risk factors.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection is a significant risk factor for non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteraemia.
- NTS bacteraemia should be considered in patients with HIV and other immunosuppressive conditions.
- Further research is needed to understand NTS bacteraemia in individuals without apparent risk factors.
Keywords:
AfricaAfrica South Of The SaharaBacterial And Fungal DiseasesComparative StudiesDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEastern AfricaEnglish Speaking AfricaExaminations And DiagnosesHematologic TestsHiv InfectionsInfectionsLaboratory Examinations And DiagnosesLaboratory ProceduresRetrospective StudiesStudiesViral DiseasesZimbabwe
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