Bacteremia due to Salmonella choleraesuis in six-month-infant: Case report

Abstract

Objective: Diarrhea developed due to gastrointestinal system infections cause severe morbidity and mortality in children, and it is are one of the most common causes of admission to health institutes. Herein, we present a case of bacteremia developed due to Salmonella choleraesuis in a six-month-old girl hospitalized because of gastroenteritis. Case: A six-month-old girl was brought into the pediatric emergency room with the complaints of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. On physical examination, she looked exhausted with fever and 2/6 cardiac murmur. Laboratory tests showed a white blood cell 10400/mm3 , C-reactive protein of 34,4 mg/L (normal range 0-3), ALT 73 U/L, AST 61 U/L and other biochemistry values were within normal limits. Adenovirus and rotavirus antigens were negative in stool examination. Blood, urine and stool cultures were obtained and cefotaxime (200 mg/kg/day dividen in 4 doses) was started. Culture of the blood yielded growth of Salmonella choleraesuis which was susceptible to ceftriaxone on antibigram test. The patient was isolated in a private room and contact isolation measures were taken. Three consequetive stool cultures were negative. Control blood culture obtained on the 3. day of cefotaxime treatment remained sterile. The patient who was afebrile following cefotaxime treatment, and during follow-up period her health state improved, and her diarhhea, and vomiting complaints regressed and cefotaxime treatment of the infant was maintained for 14 days. Conclusion: Salmonella infections are still problematic in our country. Early diagnosis and prompt therapy are the main factors which decrease morbidity and mortality in children.