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Salmonella meningitis in children in far north Queensland
R D Messer1, T H Warnock, R J Heazlewood
1Cairns Base Hospital, Queensland, Australia.
Insights
Seven infant Salmonella meningitis cases in Far North Queensland were caused by Salmonella virchow. This infection led to severe complications and long-term neurological issues in infants, with uncertain transmission sources.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric infectious diseases
- Bacterial meningitis epidemiology
- Public health surveillance
Background:
- Salmonella meningitis is a serious infection in infants.
- Far North Queensland has reported cases of infant Salmonella meningitis.
- Salmonella virchow is a significant serovar in this region.
Observation:
- Seven infant Salmonella meningitis cases occurred in Far North Queensland since 1982.
- The mean age of onset was 2.8 months.
- Five cases were attributed to Salmonella virchow.
Findings:
- Five infants experienced severe complications, including prolonged hospitalization (median 34 days).
- Four infants developed permanent neurological sequelae.
- Salmonella virchow is the most common serovar isolated from infants in this area.
Implications:
- Understanding Salmonella virchow transmission is crucial for prevention.
- Cross-infection and person-to-person transmission in homes may be key routes.
- Further research into infection sources is needed to protect vulnerable infants.
Abstract:
Seven cases of Salmonella meningitis have occurred in infants in Far North Queensland since 1982. The mean age of onset was 2.8 months, and at least five of the cases were caused by Salmonella virchow. Five of the cases had significant complications during the acute illness: all required prolonged (median 34 days) inpatient management, and four developed permanent neurological sequelae. S. virchow is the serovar most frequently isolated from infants in Far North Queensland. The source of S. virchow infections in these infants remains uncertain, but transmission may occur through cross-infection and person-to-person transmission in the home.