EC Paediatrics

Background: Salmonella is a rod-shaped, gram-negative bacterium that frequently causes meningitis, bacteremia and gastroenteritis. A variety of other illnesses, such as typhoid and non-typhoid diseases, have also been linked to it. While humans are the only natural host and reservoir for Salmonella typhi, animals (pets) are a significant reservoir for nontyphoidal Salmonella. Globally, gastroenteritis is primarily caused by infections with Salmonella.

Aim of the Study: To look for symptoms associated with Salmonella infection in the younger age group.to determine which Salmonella infection types are more prevalent. To identify the most typical problems and its complications.

Ascertain who and how will require therapy. To determine the risk variables for both a serious case of Salmonella and a CNS infection.

Method: A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out at King Abdulaziz Medical City, NGHA in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and included all pediatric patients who were diagnosed with Salmonella infection between January 2020 and December 2022. Data gathered from Best Care's electronic medical records were arranged in an excel spreadsheet and evaluated using JMP analysis.

Result: Of the 74 kids who took part in the study, 46 (62.2%) were boys, and over half of them were younger than a year old. Diarrhea and fever were the most prevalent symptoms of the illness (60.0%). Twelve (16.2%) of the cases had positive blood and stool cultures. Six instances (8.1%) had positive GI multiplex results, out of the 93.2% of positive stool cultures. About 45% of patients had Salmonella enterica isolated type, according to positive stool culture results.

The majority of our patients (75.7%) did not have any chronic illnesses, and 50 individuals (67.6%) received IV treatment. Ceftriaxone was the most often used therapy (45.9%).

Regarding treatment option and duration, there was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the length of duration per route. The group receiving both IV and oral had a higher median duration. Table 6 and 7 showed the relationship between the age of the children and a few chosen attributes. Ages categorized as < 1 year and > 1 year were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with chronic diseases, therapy, and length of stay. Compared to children under a year old, those older than a year old had a higher likelihood of chronic illnesses and lengthier hospital stays.

Conclusion: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation and guidelines for treating high-risk groups with non-typhoid Salmonella only as a disease in other groups are self-limiting, despite the fact that non-typhoidal Salmonella typically causes gastroenteritis. Salmonella can also become invasive and cause septicemia; our review indicates that the risk of invasive non-typhoid Salmonella is 16%, most likely group B.

 Keywords: Salmonella; Non Typhoid Salmonella; Characteristics; Pediatric; Invasive; High Risk Group

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