Salmonella outbreak investigation
Rizwana Memon
University of Karachi, Pakistan
: J Immunol Tech Infect Dis
Abstract
Background: Enteric (typhoid and paratyphoid) fever is less a common cause of morbidity and mortality among the indigenous population of kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Cases tend to occur more commonly in foreign laborers, who recently arrived from their home countries, and some of these cases have shown resistance to conventional enteric fever therapy. We observe 16 cases of Salmonella in King Abdullah Hospital Bisha out of 26 reported. We undertook this case investigation to assess the magnitude of the problem in Bisha region of southern Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah Hospital is the main recipient of 7 hospitals and 800 primary health care centers. Method: All cases of Food poisoning were investigated in KAH Bisha. The study periods extended for 6 months. Cases investigated for culture (blood, stool, urine or bone marrow), or a rise in widal agglutination titer of more than two-fold. The case records of these patients were analyzed regarding history, physical examination, investigations, treatment and outcome. Results: All women with all age groups were seen, 64% age 40 to 55, 22% from ages 15 to 39, 15% from ages 9-14 years seen. Significant different clinical presentation seen, with different incubation periods, having said we observe the same source of infection. The disease was of acute illness but no mortality was found. Leucopenia was found in 20% of cases. Thrombocytopenia was found in 10% whissle anemia found in 10% of cases, 40% shows electrolyte imbalance. liver function test was normal in 80% of cases.
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