Salmonella Enteritidis Septicaemia and Meningitis in an Extremely Preterm and Extremely Low Birthweight Infant

Abstract

While Salmonella typhi and paratyphi affecting both mother and infant are well documented Salmonella enteritidis infection from transplacental spread is exceedingly rare and often fatal. We report a case of intrauterine infection of a 25-weeks preterm and extremely low birthweight infant (610gm at birth) with Salmonella enteritidis born via spontaneous vaginal delivery to a mother with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Soon after birth the infant was diagnosed to have severe septicaemia, meningitis and later probable osteomyelitis. After prolonged intensive care and parenteral nutritional support, she recovered fully and was discharged after 5 months of hospital stay having attained sufficient weight.