Salmonella enterica infection in children

The aim of the study was to evaluate the sources of infection, taking into account the parents’ behaviour and their knowledge about the pathways of bacteria, and the clinical course and symptoms of salmonellosis in children from Wielkopolska, in connection with the occurrence of outbreaks in endemic disease We retrospectively analysed the medical documentation of 35 children hospitalised in two infectious diseases wards in Wielkopolska from May 2016 to April 2017. Salmonella enterica infection was confirmed in patients aged three months to 15 years, the majority of whom (33 people) were previously healthy. 30% of children had a history of direct contact with raw animal products, and their parents were not aware of the Salmonella infection risk. Six patients had a positive family history. Systemic Inflammatory Reaction Syndrome was observed in 11 patients. One child developed Salmonella enterica meningitis. The predominant symptoms of infection were watery stools, which had occurred in all patients, and lasted from one to 13 days before hospitalisation. In laboratory tests we found a significant increase of C-reactive protein in all groups of patients.

Conclusions
Salmonella enterica infection is still a significant problem due to the possibility of its occurrence in every age group, and its serious complications. A very important element of the disease prevention is to educate parents about ways of transmission.