Salmonella Typhi meningitis in a 9-year old boy with urinary schistosomiasis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Cases of Salmonella Typhi meningitis have been rarely reported in infants. There are few documented cases of persistent salmonella bacteraemia in patients with schistosomiasis. A presented case highlights the importance of broadening the list of pathogens that can cause meningitis among older children in schistosomiasis endemic regions. CASE PRESENTATION: The reported case is of a 9-year old sukuma-black African boy referred to Bugando Medical Centre with complaints of fever, abdominal pain, headache and generalized body weakness. On examination; the child was febrile (39°C) with neck stiffness and distended abdomen. Cerebrospinal fluid culture was positive for Salmonella Typhi. In addition on urine sediments microscopy, Schistosoma haematobium eggs were seen. The child improved clinically on ceftriaxone and praziquantel, and was discharged 3 weeks after admission. CONCLUSION: Complicated persistent salmonella infection should be considered in schistosomiasis endemic areas. More research should be done to confirm the association between salmonella infections and urinary schistosomiasis.