Salmonella Enteritidis meningitis in an infant. Case report and literature review

Abstract

Salmonella spp meningitis is rare in pediatrics. However, it should be especially suspected in children younger than 6 months. The enteric subspecies is the most frequent worldwide, with the Enteritidis serovar being the most important. The complication rate is high, with collections and abscesses predominating. For this reason, neuroimaging is currently recommended for all patients. Even though management is not standardized, there is consensus that first line treatment should be with third generation cephalosporins. Antibiotic resistance is infrequent but increasing, mainly in underdeveloped countries. We present the first case reported in Chile of meningitis by Salmonella Enteritidis in an 11-month-old infant presenting with fever and focused epileptic crisis. Blood culture and cerebrospinal fluid culture were positive. The patient completed four weeks of treatment with ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin with a good response.